Managing software defects: defect analysis and traceability

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a mechanism for presenting software defect metrics to aid analysis. A graphical representation of the history of software builds is presented, that records software build quality in a way that cannot be displayed in a single numerical table, and is visually more appealing and more easily digestible than a series of related tables. The radial analysis charts can be used to represent derivative information in a two-dimensional form and is demonstrated with practical examples of Defect Analysis and Root Cause Analysis.

REFERENCES

• 1: Fodeh, J. (2007): What's on your Dashboard? In Better Software magazine, October 2007, pp26--32
• 2: Nakajo, T., Sasabuchi, K., Akiyama, T. (1989): A structured approach to software defect analysis. In Hewlett-Packard Journal, April 1989, pp50--56
• 3: Subramaniam, B. (1999): Effective Software Defect Tracking - Reducing Project Costs and Enhancing Quality. In CrossTalk; A Journal of Defense Software Engineering, April 1999, pp3--9
• 4: Barry Boehm , Victor R. Basili, Software Defect Reduction Top 10 List, Computer, v.34 n.1, p.135-137, January 2001 [doi>10.1109/2.962984]

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.9 Management

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.8 Metrics

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.3 Software Management

General Terms:
Design, Management

Keywords:
bugs, defect analysis, defect management, metrics, radial charts, software builds, software quality