Metrics and Models in Software Quality Engineering

by Stephen H. Kan

Though many books discuss software quality, this is the first book to integrate metrics with models and quality improvement strategies, and action plans with project experiences. Covering essential issues and techniques, Kan provides all the information needed to measure and improve the quality of the entire software development process from high-level to low-level design, and all phases of reliability.

Genres: Nonfiction, Computer Science, Software, Technical

344 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1994

Reviews

[Anton]

Review of “Metrics and Models in Software Quality Engineering”

Stephen H. Kan’s Metrics and Models in Software Quality Engineering is a well-structured and comprehensive book that bridges theory with practice. It provides a deep dive into how models in software engineering can be applied to measure, analyze, and improve software quality. The author explains key metrics clearly, offering both academic insights and practical case studies from real-world projects.

What makes this book valuable is its balance: it is technical enough for experienced engineers, yet accessible for managers who need to understand quality frameworks. While some parts may feel dated compared to today’s agile practices, the core principles remain highly relevant. Overall, it’s a strong reference for anyone serious about building reliable, high-quality software systems.

[Robert Chapman]

In spite of being academic and often very dry, this is a great reference for quality metrics. The book covers all aspects of quality from during the development cycle to post release.

I was pleasantly surprised to see my team is producing many of the metrics discussed in the book, albeit with some customized logic.

If your team/organization is in need of meaningful metrics which can drive continuous improvement, then you will certainly get a lot of this book.

[Scott]

This is one of the few books on software metrics. Of course, Barry Boehm's Cocomo books, Grady's book on Metrics and a few others, but this is a good one. I went from this to Six Sigma reading.

[Kamal Kaur]

nothing

[Asfand Asim]

Its Good

[sv surya]

asdf