In the practical software development, software quality is generally
evaluated by the number of residual defects. To keep the number of
residual defects within a permissible value, too much effort is
often assigned to software testing.
In this paper, we try to develop a statistical model to determine
the amount of testing effort which is needed to assure the field
quality. The model explicitly includes design, review, and test
(including debug) activities.
Firstly, we construct a linear multiple regression model that can
clarify the relationship among the number of residual defects and
the efforts assigned to design, review, and test activities. We then
confirm the applicability of the model by statistical analysis using
actual project data.
Next, we obtain an equation based on the model to determine the test
effort. As parameters in the equation, the permissible number of
residual defects, the design effort, and the review effort are
included. Then, the equation determines the test effort that is
needed to assure the permissible residual defects. Finally, we
conduct an experimental evaluation using actual project data and
show the usefulness of the equation.