A statistical approach to the inspection checklist formal synthesis and improvement

Proposes a statistical approach to the formal synthesis and improvement of inspection checklists. The approach is based on defect causal analysis and defect modeling. The defect model is developed using IBM´s Orthogonal Defect Classification. A case study describes the steps required and a tool for the implementation. The advantages and disadvantages of both empirical and statistical methods are discussed and compared. It is suggested that a statistical approach should be used in conjunction with the empirical approach. The main advantage of the proposed technique is that it allows us to tune a checklist according to the most recent project experience and to identify optimal checklist items even when a source document does not exist