Managed Evolution

Abstract

In order to steer a very large information system in the desired direction, progress must be measurable. Measurements are required both on the strategic and the operational level. Agility as measured by the time to market and the cost to market for a given amount of functionality serves as a good strategic indicator to steer managed evolution. On the operational level, the progress of the system properties, such as the degree of standardization or the progress towards target architecture is tracked. In addition, measurements for the success of the change drivers, such as architecture, business-IT alignment, culture and skills are required. This chapter introduces some of the metrics deemed important by the authors for measuring managed evolution.