Managing requirements change using metrics and action planning

Software evolves and managing software evolution, in particular requirements evolution, is necessary to sustain the effectiveness of the system to meet the changing needs of its users. Measurement is central to underpinning sound and rational management decisions. However, few measurement schemes or metrics have been proposed that can aid software managers manage requirements change and evolution. This paper addresses this problem, and proposes a measurement-action framework based on case study experience with a commercial software organisation. The measurement-action framework is organised around four main areas of concern: planning for change; assessing impact of change; determining changeability; and assessing effectiveness at handling change. The framework provides a set of indicators that can assist managers in measuring requirements change, and importantly, generic action plans that provide managers with practical guidance on how to use the indicators as a basis for taking managerial action. The paper describes the measurement-action framework in detail, and comments on the general applicability of the work