Thirty authors from leading European companies discuss their theoretical and industrial experiences in this comprehensive overview of different software process improvement methodologies. Based on the results of three international conferences organized by the International Software Collaborative Network (ISCN), Better Software Practice for Business Benefitcovers varied improvement methodologies in a thorough discussion of process improvement issues.

Broken into three parts, Principles, Experience, and Summary and Outlook, the book illustrates the implementation of business strategies and improvement methodologies in real industrial case studies. It also looks into the future of process improvement initiatives, outlines available process analysis and assessment methodologies, and details improved planning strategies including goal based measurement.

Process groups, quality engineers, and consultants with a vital interest in structured evaluation and improvement as well as project managers on all levels will benefit from this overview of software business principles and practices.

Process groups, quality engineers, and consultants with a vital interest in basic information about structured evaluation and improvement will benefit from this book. Project managers on various levels within all organizations dealing with software can also use this handbook.

Preface.

PART I: PRINCIPLES.

Chapter 1: Road Map for Readers and How to Use the Book.

Chapter 2: The Software Process in the Context of Business Goals and Performance.

Chapter 3: Software Process Analysis and Improvement: Concepts and Definitions.

Chapter 4: Software Process Analysis and Improvement: A Catalogue and Comparison of Models.

Chapter 5: Goal-Based Software Process Improvement Planning.

Chapter 6: Process and Product Measurement.

Chapter 7: Costs and Benefits of Software Process Improvement.

PART II: EXPERIENCE.

Chapter 8: Siemens Process Assessment Approach.

Chapter 9: Quantifying the Benefit of a Long-Lasting Process Improvement Programme in Switching Applications.

Chapter 10: From Assessment to Improvement: An Experience in the GSM Application Domain.

Chapter 11: Process Improvement in Internet Service Providing.

Chapter 12: Alcatel's Experience with Process Improvement.

Chapter 13: Software Process Identification: A Case Study Using the ISO/IEC 12207 Software Life Cycle Processes Standard.

Chapter 14: Experience With A Lean Team Model and Open Architecture Culture.

Chapter 15: AIMing for Increases In Software Process Maturity: Some Irish Case Studies.

Chapter 16: Success Factors and Barriers for Software Process Improvement.

Chapter 17: Applying Quantitative ISO Auditing Techniques -

The BICO Approach.

PART III: CONCLUSION.

Chapter 18: Summary and Outlook.