An early software-quality classification based on improved grey relational classifier

The inherent uncertainty and incomplete information of the software development process presents particular challenges for identifying fault-prone modules and providing a preferred model early enough in a development cycle in order to guide software enhancement efforts effectively. Grey relational analysis (GRA) of grey system theory is a well known approach that is utilized for generalizing estimates under small sample and uncertain conditions. This paper examines the potential benefits for providing an early software-quality classification based on improved grey relational classifier. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach is adopted to explore the best fit of weights on software metrics in the GRA approach for deriving a classifier with preferred balance of misclassification rates. We have demonstrated our approach by using the data from the medical information system dataset. Empirical results show that the proposed approach provides a preferred balance of misclassification rates than the grey relational classifiers without using PSO. It also outperforms the widely used classifiers of classification and regression trees (CART) and C4.5 approaches.