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PSP: A Self-Improvement Process for Software Engineers Watts S. Humphrey. 2005. Addison-Wesley (http:// www.awprofessional.com). 346 pages. ISBN: 0-321-30549-3. GSQJE Body of Knowledge area: Software Quality Management
There are only a few authors who can naturally enhance the credibility of the subject matter covered in a book, and there can be no one better to discuss the Personal Software Process (PSP) than the one who is credited with laying the foundation for the Capability Maturity Model (CMM)1 PSP. and TSP. Watts S. Humphrey has authored several books relating to the implementation of a disciplined approach to software engineering and this book is the latest in the series. In the book's preface. Humphrey clearly states that the objective of this book is to introduce and facilitate the process of understanding and implementing PSP by practitioners. Given this objective, Humphrey has removed much of the academic flavor that was provided by his earlier work with PSP.
The PSP discussion is kicked off with an interesting example in chapter 1 leading to an overview of the need for a disciplined process and the intent of the PSP model. This discussion is followed with an elaboration of the PSP model and its key components or elements in chapter 2. The creation and use of the different types of scripts and logs, which is the hallmark of the PSP1 is stated in a form that can be easily understood and applied by practitioners. The discussion points in...