Multivariate analysis and rough sets: Two approaches for software-quality analysis

Computer programs are becoming more and more complex and voluminous in most firms. This raises the cost of maintenance. To minimize this cost, qualities must be given to computer programs that assure them good evolution, i.e., reliability, efficiency, flexibility, conformity, etc. This cost minimization must be preceded by a diagnosis that recommends a set of renovation actions to be undertaken in order to improve the software quality. The objective of this study is to associate a set of renovation actions to each profile's program expressed in terms of metrics. To do this, two approaches are taken. First, a multivariate analysis is used to allocate each program to a predefined category reflecting the diagnosis of the program's health. Second, we try to work out a diagnosis of the health of these programs by developing a quality model composed of a set of decision rules supporting software quality improvement decisions. We have finally implemented this set of rules in the form of an expert system tool to allow the classification of new programs by the decision-maker.