Productivity measurement

One of the most important industries in the world today is softwaredevelopment. It has become an essential part of an organisation’s productionand management processes. Software development projects are growing largerin size and becoming more complicated and at the same time faster turnaroundtimes are required. Therefore software development teams are expected to behighly productive. Hence measurement of productivity of software developmentprojects has become an aspect of high interest to management.The purpose of the research was to explore the perceptions of andmeasurements of productivity of software development projects. This includedexploring the levels of awareness and understanding of productivitymeasurement of software development projects among professionals and thepractical ways in which productivity is measured.A qualitative research methodology was followed in order to adequately capturethe richness of perceptions and levels of understanding, frustrations, challengesand the depth and breadth of the topic. Depth interviews were the instrumentused to gather the data. The interview reports were then analysed using contentanalysis and cognitive mapping. The findings were further discussed with acontrol group which is made up of a panel of senior experts in the field.There is a high level of productivity awareness among software developmentprofessionals. Professionals are conscious about productivity and its continuedimprovements. However, only a few of the respondents understand andappreciate the contribution that the knowledge and the right application ofproductivity rate of a development team, for example, has on the success of theproject.Among the respondents who understand and appreciate the need of using aproductivity rate for accurate project planning and management, function pointanalysis was the most supported. The proponents of lines of code productivitymeasurement admit that it is not a perfect measure but simple to use.iiiProductivity measurement and the correct application of the outcomes aid inproper project planning, ensures that there is better conformance to projectschedule, helps with monitoring and control and intelligent outsourcing, aids ineliciting top management support and ultimately, leading to improved projectdelivery and project success.