Practical Implementation of Software Metrics
Goodman's book claims to be written specifically to help organizations successfully introduce software metrics programs. The book is easy to read and is certainly recommended as an introduction to starting a measurement process. It is organized in three parts: Section 1 introduces what software metrics are and provides a high-level overview of common software metrics examples and applications; Section 2 describes a project lifecycle approach for initiating and implementing a metrics program; Section 3 suggests some pragmatic alternatives to the full project approach and takes a closing look at trends and the future.
The author's style is low key and conversational. For example, Goodman summarizes Section 2 with a list of key fundamentals he believes should guide any measurement initiative: "Avoid ivory towers; Don't try to do everything at once (chunk it down into phases of activity); Provide solution packages; and, Don't ignore the infrastructure. Finally, and very simply, treat the measurement initiative as a project in its own right."