What metrics would you use to evaluate the success of a software project?

The selection of all four metrics—on-time delivery, budget adherence, customer satisfaction, and defect rates—provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the success of a software project.

On-time delivery is crucial as it indicates whether the project met its schedule, reflecting the team's efficiency and planning. Budget adherence helps assess financial discipline, ensuring that the project remains within the allocated resources, which is vital for stakeholder confidence and the project's financial viability.

Customer satisfaction gauges how well the software meets user needs and expectations, which is essential for long-term success and user retention. Lastly, monitoring defect rates reveals the quality of the software and the effectiveness of the development process, addressing any potential shortcomings in rigor or testing that could lead to user frustration or additional costs.

By considering all these metrics together, project managers can obtain a balanced view of the project's overall health and performance, leading to more informed decision-making. Each metric complements the others, ensuring a holistic evaluation rather than a narrow focus that might overlook critical aspects of project success.