Post-process feedback with and without attribute focusing: a comparative evaluation

Historically, the identification and correction of inadequacies in the process of software production called process feedback has been a difficult, time-consuming, manual exercise. Recently, a methodology for process feedback, called attribute focusing, has been developed. The authors compare post-process feedback with and without attribute focusing to determine how the methodology fares against current practice in post-process correction. Five project teams analyzed post-process defect data and made recommendations to improve the quality of a large operating systems product. That data was based on a multiple-choice questionnaire that was completed for every defect in a sample of defects that was chosen by each team. Subsequently, the same data was reanalyzed using attribute focusing. The comparison suggests attribute focusing can do at least as well or better than current practice in postprocess analysis, while reducing cost of analysis substantially