TABLE OF CONTENTS Scales of measure are fundamental to Planguage. They are central to the definition of all scalar attributes, that is, to all the performance and resource attributes.
You should learn the art of developing your own tailored scales of measure for the performance and resource attributes, which are important to your organization or system. You cannot rely on being given the answer about how to quantify. You would soon lose control over your current vital concerns if you waited for that!
The basic advice for identifying and developing scales of measure and meters (practical methods for measuring) for scalar attributes is as follows:
Try to reuse previously defined Scales and Meters. See Figure 5.3, Examples of Scales of Measure.
Try to modify previously defined Scales and Meters.
If no existing Scale or Meter can be reused or modified, use common sense to develop innovative home-grown quantification ideas.
Whatever Scale or Meter you start off with, you must be prepared to learn. Obtain and use early feedback, from colleagues and from field tests, to redefine and improve your Scales and Meters.
See also Section 5.5, Process Description: Scale Definition.
Reuse is an important concept for sharing experience and saving time when developing Scales. You need to build reference libraries of your standard scales of measure. Remember to maintain details supporting each standard Scale, such as Source, Owner, Status and Version (Date). If the...
