By collecting measurements related to the number of defects inserted and detected by lifecycle phase, an organization can determine if it is meeting which of the following measurement and performance objectives?

• A. Reduce requirements volatility by 10%
• B. Identify 95% of total defects prior to release to the customer
• C. Reduce unplanned work
• D. Reduce unplanned requirements growth by 10%

Answer: (B)

The focus on collecting measurements related to the number of defects inserted and detected by lifecycle phase directly aligns with the objective of identifying a significant percentage of total defects before the product is released to the customer. Tracking defects throughout the different phases of development allows an organization to analyze where defects are introduced and ensures that they are addressed early in the process. This proactive approach helps in minimizing the number of defects that make it to the final product, thereby enhancing quality and customer satisfaction.

Identifying 95% of total defects prior to release emphasizes a quality assurance goal. By monitoring defects early, organizations can make informed decisions regarding process improvements, which ultimately contributes to the overall reliability of the final output. This objective is pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and achieving maturity in organizational processes as outlined in CMMI practices.