  Software Process Improvement (SPI) encompasses the analysis and modification
of the processes within software development, aimed at improving key areas that
contribute to the organizations' goals. The task of evaluating whether the
selected improvement path meets these goals is challenging. On the basis of the
results of a systematic literature review on SPI measurement and evaluation
practices, we developed a framework (SPI Measurement and Evaluation Framework
(SPI-MEF)) that supports the planning and implementation of SPI evaluations.
SPI-MEF guides the practitioner in scoping the evaluation, determining
measures, and performing the assessment. SPI-MEF does not assume a specific
approach to process improvement and can be integrated in existing measurement
programs, refocusing the assessment on evaluating the improvement initiative's
outcome. Sixteen industry and academic experts evaluated the framework's
usability and capability to support practitioners, providing additional
insights that were integrated in the application guidelines of the framework.
