Overview
In this activity, the software configuration management (SCM) manager, project software manager, and one or more software engineering managers define the set of mandatory SCM status reports and forms to be used throughout the software project. This activity ensures that the required reports and forms meet the needs of the project.
Roles and Responsibilities
The SCM manager reviews the blank SCM forms with the project software manager and software engineering managers to determine if the forms meet the needs of the project, and to identify any required modifications. The SCM manager also reviews the standard set of SCM metrics (see activity 1.1.1.5 Determine Metrics To Be Collected) with the project software manager. The SCM manager and project software manager determine what metrics for SCM are appropriate for the software project, how they will be collected and recorded (e.g., report format), and the rate of reporting (e.g., monthly or weekly).
The project software manager reviews all SCM forms, metrics, and reports from the SCM manager, and verifies that they are adequate for the project. The project software manager also may facilitate the tailoring of forms.
One or more software engineering managers are responsible for reviewing and understanding all materials from the SCM manager, and providing feedback concerning possible improvements and any special needs of the project.
Controls
See parent activity 1.1.2.1 Determine Project’s Software Configuration Management Needs.
Inputs
The standard set of forms to complete and metrics to collect, as defined in Appendix C of this Guidebook and the Software Metrics Database User’s Guide.
Procedures
1) The SCM manager distributes the following to the project software manager, and one or more software engineering managers:
Copies of and instructions for completing the standard Software Change Request (SCR), Software Trouble Report, Promotion Notification Form (PNF), Software Control Board Candidate List, and Request for Deviation/Waiver (see Appendix C for forms).
A proposed set of SCM metrics to be collected during the project. The set of metrics proposed in activity 1.1.1.5 Determine Metrics To Be Collected is for a standard project (i.e., one with a configuration management (CM) needs index of 3.5 through 5.5, as defined in subactivity 1.1.2.1.1 Perform Software Configuration Management Needs Analysis). More or fewer metrics may be collected on a project with a different CM needs index.
2) The project software manager and software engineering managers review the SCM forms and metrics to determine if they are suitable for use on the project. A determination also is made as to whether any form needs to be tailored in some way.
3) The SCM manager receives feedback from the project software manager and software engineering managers, and tailors the forms accordingly. If the tailoring is significant (e.g., new form is required), the SCM manager submits a Request for Deviation/Waiver to the software engineering process group (SEPG) (see activities 2.2.1 Request Deviation/Waiver and 4.1.1 Review Request For Deviation/Waiver).
4) The project software manager determines the rate and format of metric reporting to be performed by the SCM manager and staff. For a standard project (i.e., one with a CM needs index of 3.5 through 5.5), biweekly reporting is suggested. For a project with a high CM needs index, weekly reporting may be appropriate. Reporting should be performed at least monthly. It is assumed that the notification of new SCRs, Software Trouble Reports, etc. will be done immediately upon their submission via E-mail.
5) The SCM manager documents the SCM forms selected for the project in the SCM Plan (SCMP). The SCM manager places templates of the forms in the Configuration Control section or a separate appendix to the SCMP (see SCMP Data Item Description (DID) in Appendix E).
6) The SCM manager documents the metrics to be collected, report formats to be used, and any additional reports required by the project software manager in the Configuration Status Accounting section of the SCMP.
Outputs
The SCM forms selected for use during the project, which have been agreed upon by the project software manager, are documented in the SCMP (these forms may have been tailored to accommodate the project’s needs).
If any form has been substantially tailored, a Request for Deviation/Waiver which has been submitted to and approved by the SEPG.
The metrics to be reported by the SCM manager and staff, which have been specified by the project software manager and documented in the SCMP.