Measuring Critical Factors of Software Quality Management: Development and Validation of an Instrument

Abstract

Literature presents attributes of effective quality management in building software systems. The value of the capability maturity model (CMM), ISO 9000, and total quality management (TQM) concepts in managing software quality has been widely acknowledged. However, shortcomings of these approaches have also been recognized. For instance, scholars have acknowledged CMM implementation difficulties because of its inherent complexity. This research synthesizes existing literature base in CMM, ISO 9000, TQM, among others, to identify six critical factors of software quality management (SQM) and then develops an instrument that can be used to measure critical factors of SQM. Validity and reliability are established by reviewing extant literature, testing a preliminary version of the instrument among a group of researchers and industry experts, and empirically testing a revised version of the instrument among a group of IS professionals. The instrument is relatively easy to implement and requires minimal resources. Implications for research and practice are discussed.