V-GQM: a feed-back approach to validation of a GQM study

The GQM (Goals/Questions/Metrics) paradigm is used for empirical studies on software projects. Support is given on how to define and execute a study. However, the support for running several subsequent studies is poor. V-GQM (Validating GQM) introduces a life-cycle perspective, creating a process spanning several GQM studies. After the GQM study has been completed, an analysis step of the plan is initiated. The metrics are analysed to investigate if they comply with the plan or if they have extended it, and also to investigate if the metrics collected answer more questions than are posed in the plan. The questions derived from the metrics are then used to form the goal for the next GQM study, effectively introducing a feedback loop. By introducing a bottom-up approach, a structured analysis of each GQM study is possible when constructing several consecutive GQM studies. A case study using V-GQM has been performed in an industrial setting