The purpose of Peer Reviews is to remove defects from the software work products early and efficiently. An important corollary effect is to develop a better understanding of the software work products and of defects that might be prevented.
Peer Reviews involve a methodical examination of software work products by the producers' peers to identify defects and areas where changes are needed. The specific products that will undergo a peer review are identified in the project's defined software process and scheduled as part of the software project planning activities, as described in Integrated Software Management.
SSC San Diego projects shall:
1. Plan peer review activities.
2. Identify and remove defects in the software work products.
3. Provide adequate resources and funding for performing peer reviews on each software work product to be reviewed.
4. Ensure that peer review leaders receive required training in how to lead peer reviews.
5. Ensure that reviewers who participate in peer reviews receive required training in the objectives, principles, and methods of peer reviews.
6. Plan peer reviews, and document the plans.
7. Perform peer reviews according to a documented procedure.
8. Record data on the conduct and results of the peer reviews.
9. Make and use measurements to determine the status of the peer review activities.
10. Have the software quality assurance group conduct reviews or audits of the activities and work products for peer reviews and report the results.
The Software Project Manager is responsible for implementing this policy.
The Software Engineering Process Office (SEPO) is responsible for maintaining this policy.