This paper considers assessment techniques based on the use of questionnaires, assessment matrices, workshops, and pro-forma assessment schemas; together with people issues such as motivation and involvement. With strong reference to SPICE process capability levels and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model, the authors suggest a novel framework containing a possible sequence of improvement steps towards the Established Level 3. The main conclusion in this paper is that an incremental improvement path can be defined using process assessment that commences with questionnaires, then goes on to matrices, workshops, and finally reaches pro-formas. Furthermore, it seems quite plausible that all four types of assessment techniques should be employed on an ongoing basis in a staged fashion.
The purpose of this study was to understand teachers' perceptions about possible course improvements based on students' suggestions. The course involves a software development project of median complexity. In this study the Q-methodology was used as the research methodology. Suggestions of possible improvements were collected from the students of the course and used as a concourse. A sample of the concourse was presented to the teachers, who rank-ordered them according a predefined scale and, next, data was analyzed. The analysis produced two distinct factors relative to teachers' opinions about possible course improvements. The resulting factors were then described and interpreted. This study shows and confirms the adequacy of Q for course improvement studies.
Context: Systematic mapping reviews are now common in software engineering. However, if there are rigorous guidelines for systematic literature reviews in software engineering, the same is not true for mapping reviews. Objective: Develop a set of rigorous guidelines for mapping reviews. Method: The guidelines were based on some orientations for mapping reviews, mapping studies and on adaptations from existent guidelines for systematic literature reviews. Results: A set of guidelines, presented as a method, consisting of six stages. Conclusion: The guidelines form a well structured method for mapping reviews with the potential to attain high-quality reviews.
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