Metrics Framework Editor

When implementing any metrics program, an organization must decide upon a well-defined set of process metrics that they will collect. Without precisely-defined metrics, data collected by individuals cannot meaningfully be consolidated and analyzed at the team level.

For high-maturity processes inspired by TSP^(SM), these definitions include:

• The size metrics that will be used estimate and measure product size
• The process phases that will be used to characterize defect injection and removal

Choosing a particular set of size metrics and process phases will result in a unique metrics collection framework, which can be used in the planning and execution of a team project.

For convenience, the open source Process Dashboard includes a metrics collection framework that can be used out-of-the-box to support high-maturity teams. However, the Process Dashboard can support custom metrics collection frameworks for organizations that need this functionality.

Creating a Metrics Collection Framework

To create a custom metrics collection framework:

• Download the Custom Metrics Framework Editor by clicking here, then double-click the file to run it with Java.
• Enter the size metrics and phases in your framework, and give the framework a name.
• After describing a metrics framework, use "File > Save" to save the framework.
• Copy the resulting file into the directory where you installed the process dashboard. (For users on the Windows operating system, this defaults to C:\Program Files\Process Dashboard). The next time you launch the Process Dashboard and setup a team project, you will be given the option of using your custom metrics framework as the basis for the team project.

Great care should be taken in the creation of a new metrics framework, since many aspects of the framework cannot be changed once a project has been created. For more advice on the construction of an effective metrics framework, see the Team Users Manual.

Upgrading a Metrics Collection Framework

In the past, organizations that created their own custom metrics collection frameworks were required to refresh those frameworks each time a new version of the dashboard was released. This task is no longer necessary; teams will enjoy the full benefits of each new version simply by upgrading to version 2.2 or later of the dashboard.

Sharing a Metrics Collection Framework

Once you have created a metrics collection framework and used it as the basis for a team project, others may need a copy of that framework if they wish to create a similar project in another Team Dashboard, or if they wish to join such a project.

If you are able to view the reports on your own computer, you can locate the metrics collection framework file by taking these steps:

1. Open the Team or personal Process Dashboard and choose "About Process Dashboard" from the "Help" menu.
2. In the About dialog, click the Configuration tab. Then scroll to the very bottom of the tab and click the link to view more details.
3. A details page will be displayed in your web browser. This page will include a list of the add-on modules that are installed in your dashboard. Find the row in the table for your custom metrics collection framework, and read the column that indicates where the file is located.
4. Locate the file on your hard drive (it will be a ZIP file), and share it with others as needed.

If you are a coach, process mentor, or other individual and you need to use a metrics collection framework created by someone else, ask that person to visit this page and follow the instructions above. When you receive the metrics collection framework ZIP file, save it into the directory where you installed the Process Dashboard (for example, C:\Program Files\Process Dashboard). Then you will be able to create and join projects that use this framework.

PSP^(SM) and TSP^(SM) are service marks of Carnegie Mellon University. Tuma Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carnegie Mellon University.