Title: A comparison of Six-Sigma and GQM approaches in software development

Authors: G.Y. Hong, T.N. Goh

Addresses: Massey University at Albany Campus, Auckland, New Zealand. ' Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Design Technology Institute International, Singapore and Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Abstract: With an increasing attention being paid to Six-Sigma applications in the software industry, there has been an increasing alignment between Six-Sigma and the Goal Question Measurement or GQM approach. Questions have been raised such as whether Six-Sigma is totally different from GQM, or is there ||nothing new|| in Six-Sigma. Also, are there potential conflicts between these two prominent approaches? Do they provide software companies with an ||either||, ||or|| solution, or can the two be combined? In this paper, we explore the differences and similarities as well as the strengths and weaknesses between Six-Sigma and GQM. Some conclusions and recommendations are presented in this light.

Keywords: six sigma; goal question measurement; GQM; software quality; software process; DMAIC; quality improvement; software development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2004.005278

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.65 - 75

Published online: 19 Sep 2004 *

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