Lean Software Development Measures and Indicators - A Systematic Mapping Study

Background: Lean Software Development (LSD) aims for improvement, yet this improvement requires measures to identify whether a difference has been achieved, and provide decision support for further improvement. Objective: This study identifies measures and indicators proposed in literature on LSD, then structures them according to ISO/IEC 15939, allowing for comparability due to a use of a standard. Method: Systematic mapping is the research methodology. Result: The published literature on LSD measures has significantly increased since 2010. The two pre-dominant study types are evaluation research and experience reports. 22 base measures, 13 derived measures, and 14 indicators were identified. Conclusion: Gaps exist with respect to LSD principles. In particular: deferring commitment, respecting people and knowledge creation. The principle of delivering fast is well supported.