Using Six Sigma for Software Project Estimations An Application of Statistical Methods for Software Metrics
Thomas Fehlmann · 2009
Six Sigma is a proven way of removing defect cost in manufacturing and services. However, using Six Sigma for Software is not straightforward. Many metrics that are collected during software development are not following standard distributions and thus statistical methods won't apply easily. However, estimations for software development projects follow statistical patterns. This is less surprising that it sounds. When developers estimate their future work, their mood and their most recent experiences have impact on their estimations. These factors follow random pattern but most people are not inclined towards admitting such influence. Thus statistical methods based on comparisons between effort predictions, or effort measured, and other measurable cost drivers can detect and reduce variations in estimations and avoid wrong predictions.