An instrumented approach to improving software quality through formal technical review

Formal technical review (FTR) is an essential component of all software quality assessment, assurance and improvement techniques. However, current FTR practice leads to significant expense, clerical overhead, group process obstacles, and research methodology problems. CSRS is an instrumented, computer-supported cooperative work environment for formal technical review. CSRS addresses problems in the practice of FTR by providing computer support for both the process and products of FTR. CSRS also addresses problems in research on FTR through instrumentation supporting fine-grained, high quality data collection and analysis. This paper describes CSRS, a computer-mediated review method called FTArm, and selected findings from their use to explore issues in formal technical review.<
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