  The increasing role of software for developing products and services requires
that organizations align their software-related activities with high-level
business goals. In practice, this alignment is very difficult and only little
systematic support is available. GQM+Strategies is a method that aims at
aligning organizational goals, strategies, and measurements at all levels of an
organization in a seamless way. This article describes a case study of applying
GQM+Strategies in a globally op- erating industrial R&D organization developing
special-purpose device products for B2B customers. The study analyzes how
GQM+Strategies has helped clarify and harmonize the goal set of the
organization. Results of the study indicate improved alignment and integration
of different goals. In addition, the method helped to make the initially
informal goal-setting more transparent and consequently enabled revising it
while new, more important goals were discovered and comprehended. Moreover,
several elements affecting the achievement of goals as well as impediments were
identified.
