Test Metrics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Appropriate metrics used correctly can play a vital role in software testing. We use metrics to track progress, assess situations, predict events, and more. However, measuring often creates "people issues," which, if ignored, become obstacles to success and can even destroy a metrics program, a project, or an entire team. Metric programs may be distorted by the way metrics are depicted and communicated. In this interactive session, John Fodeh invites you to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly side of test metrics. John shows how to identify and use metrics for assessing the state and quality of the system under test. When being measured, people can react with creative, sophisticated, and unexpected behaviors. Thus our well-intentioned efforts may have a counter-productive effect on individuals and the organization as a whole. The ugly side of metrics is encountered when people manipulate metrics. In this double-track session, explore the pros and cons of applying and using metrics.

• Key metrics needed for testing and test management
• "People issues" encountered when implementing a metrics program
• How to present and communicate metrics to avoid "malpractice: