RE: RE: programmer productivity.

["Robert Bergstrom" <rbergst@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The problem I have with line of code used for measured productivity is that 
it rewards ineffeciency.  For Example:

  * Example A - 1 Line of Code
C                   EVAL      Answer = (A*B) + ((C-D)* 0.80)
  * Example B - 4 Lines of Code, 2 Additional Variables and To get the same 
answer
C     A             MULT      B             H1
C     C             SUB       D             H2
C     H2            MULT      0.80          H2
C     H1            ADD       H2            Answer
And this is a simple example.  I can remember one contract we were on where 
one of the tasks was to clean up a set of programs, coded by someone that 
must have been being paid by the line.  When we were done we had eliminated 
40% of the code and reduced processing time by 80%.
I would just caution that you need to evaluate potential risks when deciding 
on a qualitative measurement formula.   Our means are rather simple we work 
on schedules developed by someone that knows how to program, and then we 
analyze based upon resources expended against the base line.  The only 
problem is I have seen project managers over the years that will schedule 80 
hours for a 3 hour task and 6 hours for a 30 hour task, so I guess whatever 
method you use it boils down to GIGO...





Bob Bergstrom
Technology Solutions Inc.
Perrysburg, OH 43551

Phone: (419)666-7190
       (888)366-8911
FAX:   (419)666-7199

email: rbergst@teksol.com
url:   http://www.teksol.com

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