Software Process And Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 223!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 223 features my essay on Benchmarking Agile. The essay begins: Benchmarking is the search for answers and perhaps if we get very excited, we might say the truth. Benchmarking any project or organization takes time, effort and focus to accomplish. In most cases we expend the effort to measure and benchmark so that we can improve the overall system or organization rather than any single project. SPaMCAST 223 marks the beginning of columns by Kim Pries.  Kim is a teacher, author, polymath, phenomenologist, problem-solver living Texas. In this column Kim talks about improving testing. The audio is not perfect howver the content is great and we are working on the the technical issues.  Check out Kim's LinkedIn page. Have you checked out Daily Process Thoughts?  Daily Process Thoughts is delivering a quick daily idea, thought or simple smile to help you become a better change agent.  Check it out at www.tcagley.wo

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 222 and Year Seven!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 221 features an interview with Will McKnight. Will was my first interview all the way back on SPaMCAST 1, check it out, and has graciously come back to the Software Process and Measurement Cast to kickoff Year Seven with a discussion of the CMMI as a refrence model.  Will reminds us that the CMMI if used correctly adds value. We also argued over the phrase "best practices!" Will McKnight is the founder and President of Next Level Consultants, a SEI (CMMI) Partner providing process improvement, project management, and organizational change management services to the software development community.   Will is a software development and process improvement specialist with experience in improvement programs in multi-national settings, in a wide range of organization sizes, styles, and types of software development methodologies.  SEI Certified CMMI Lead Appraiser that has performed numerous apprais

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 221!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 221 features Part Two of my essay on Agile and Risk Management. Let's add some techniques to the mix!   The SPaMCAST 221 marks the end of Year Six! It has been a great year!  Next week begins Year 7. I also want to point out a new project I have begun, Daily Process Thoughts.  Daily Process Thoughts will deliver a quick daily idea, thought or simple smile to help you become a better change agent.  Check it out at www.tcagley.wordpress.com.   Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 220!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 220 features an interview with Stephen Parry.  Our interview was far ranging covering adaptive thinking, command and control management and MUCH, MUCH more! Stephen's Bio . . .Stephen Parry is an organisational designer, international leader and strategist on the creation of service enterprises that are adaptive, innovative and engaging. He has a world-class reputation for passionate leadership and creating global organisations with superior service climates by changing the way employees, managers and leaders think about the business. He developed the Sense and Respond 3.0 principles and methods to bring about customer, employee, management and leadership b  ehavioural change and organisational development.  He is the author of Sense and Respond: The Journey to Customer Purpose (Palgrave), a highly regarded book written as a follow-up to his award-winning organisational transformations.  His change work was

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 219!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 219 features an essay I have title Agile and Risk Management.The essay begins:  Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects?  Or have we just changed the project environment so that we have changed the shape mechanism and timing of how we recognize and manage risk?  Or more frighteningly, might by changing the project environment by poorly adopting Agile techniques we might trick ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished. Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Proces

It is Sunday December 29th, 2012 and the Software Process and Measurement Cast 218 features my interview with Bob Galen.  We talked agile, agile charters, prodcut owners and beginning agile projects WELL! Bob Galen is an Agile Methodologist, Practitioner & Coach based in Cary, NC. In this role he helps guide companies and teams in their pragmatic adoption and organizational shift towards Scrum and other Agile methods and practices. He is currently President & Principal Consultant at RGCG, LLC. He is also Director of Agile Solutions for Zenergy Technologies where he applies his experience helping clients accelerate their agile adoption. Bob regularly speaks at international conferences and professional groups on topics related to software development, project management, software testing and team leadership. He is a Certified Scrum Coach (CSC), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and an active member of the Agile Alliance & Scrum Alliance. In 2009 he published the book here.  Also we discussed Bo

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 217!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 217 features an entry from the Metrics Minute.  The entry is on Automated Test Cases Passed.  A listener, Tor Skude, requesed we deal with this metric.  Remember that there is a page at www.tcagley.wordpress.com with links to all of the Metrics Minute Entries. Have a great holiday season!   Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:              +1-206-888-6111      Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook:  http://bit.ly/16f

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 216!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 216 features my interview with Harold van Heeringen.  We discussed the International Software Benchmarking Standards Group, functional metrics, software measurement and well . . . other stuff! Drs. Harold van Heeringen CFPA, works for Sogeti Nederland as a senior metrics consultant. Harold graduated from the university of Groningen in business economics in 1997 and he has worked in information technology ever since.  Harold is an expert in the functional sizing methods FPA and COSMIC and he is a certified practitioner in both methods. Furthermore he is an expert on different software estimation models and benchmarking practices. In his role as metrics consultant, he advises clients on how to implement Estimating & Performance Measurement processes into their organizations and he trains people in functional size measurement, project estimation and benchmarking. Next to his consulting work, he is also heav

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 215!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 215 features Part One of my essay titled Agile Is A Philosophy and a new column from Bill Fox and Five Minutes to Process Improvement, 5PI.  Agile, CMMI, process improvement and philosophy . . . what a great  show.  The essay begins . . .Dictionary.Com defines philosophy as, "a theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behavior."  Not a fan of Dictionary.Com?  One of the definitions supplied by Merriam-webster.com is, "a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought."  In simplest terms Agile must be a philosophy because it fits the dictionary definition of the word.  The framework for what we today call agile is defined by the Agile Manifesto which was published in 2001.  The Manifesto is composed of a set of four value statements and twelve principles.  The values provide the rough outline of what provides worth or utility when developing software from which the principles pr

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 214!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 214 features my interview with Iain McCowatt.  We talked about the commoditization of testing and how commoditization can devalue and demotivate any team.   Iain McCowatt is a context-driven tester, test manager and automator whose experience and passion for testing spans multiple industries and more than a decade.  As a Test Practice Lead and Program Test Manager with CGI in Atlantic Canada, he specializes in providing clients with innovative solutions to difficult testing problems and in building teams that place an emphasis on the skill of the tester. Having been both a customer and provider of testing, Iain takes a particular interest in the value that testing can provide. In his spare time, Iain is active in the software testing community, serves as a volunteer instructor with the Association of Software Testing, and blogs at exploringuncertainty.com Iain's contact information:Blog: exploringuncertainty

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 213!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 213 features my essay titled Bad Words For Process Improvement.  Words have power; the power to sell ideas, to rally the troops and provide motivation when used correctly. Or words can be a tactic signal of resistance to change and an abrogation of responsibility.  If the later set of scenarios, perfectly good words go bad.  Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniquesco-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook:  h

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 212!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 212 features my interview with Arlene Minkiewicz.  We talked about agile and parametric estimation!  Strange bed fellows? Arlene F. Minkiewicz is the Chief Scientist at PRICE Systems, LLC with over 27 years of experience at PRICE building cost models.  She leads the cost research activity for TruePlanning, the suite of cost estimating products that PRICE provides.  She is a software measurement expert dedicated to finding creative solutions focused on helping make software development professionals successful.  She is widely published and speaks frequently on software related topics.  She has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and an MS in Computer Science from Drexel University. Email: Arlene.Minkiewicz@PRICESystems.comTwiitter: @arleneminkWebsite:  www.pricesystems.com Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniquesco-authored by Mu

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 211!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 211 features my essay, "Instant Gratification and Pain Deferred." Why do we say yes when no or later would be better for everyone! Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniquesco-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV One more thing!  Help support the SPaMCAST by reviewing and rating the Software Process and Measurement Cast on ITunes! It helps people find the cast.  Next:The Software Process and Measurement Cast 212 w

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 210!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 210 features my interview today with Gil Broza we discussed his new book “The Human Side of Agile: How to Help Your Team Deliver.” Buy “The Human Side of Agile: How to Help Your Team Deliver” Gil Broza helps organizations, teams and individuals implement high-performance Agile principles and practices that work for them. His coaching and training clients – over 1,300 professionals in 40 companies – have delighted their customers, shipped working software on time, increased their productivity and decimated their software defects. Beyond teaching, Gil helps people overcome limiting habits, fears of change, blind spots and outdated beliefs, and reach higher levels of performance, confidence and accomplishment. Gil is the author of “The Human Side of Agile: How to Help Your Team Deliver”. In the last seven years, Gil has worked with organizations of every size and industry; he has conducted readiness assessments

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 209!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 209 features my essay on the relentless tide of communication.  Email is just the tip of the iceberg but what a tip it is!  Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE! Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV Upcoming Conferecnes Conference season is coming.  I will be speaking at the following conferences and look forward to meeting up with all SPaMCAST listeners and contributors. AgileT

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 208!    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 208 features my interview today with Pawel Brodzinski we discussed Lean, Kanban, and Management. After editing this interview I am looking forward to the next conversation I have with Pawel, it was just that good. Pawel Brodzinski is an experienced leader and team builder who managed different software teams along his career from tiny groups working on in-house solutions up to big divisions working on multiple complex projects for big corporations. Pawel is a fan of choosing right approach to the right problem and doesn't believe in a silver bullet. He is well-recognized public speaker and blogger writing about dealing with software projects at http://blog.brodzinski.com.  Pawel is a Kanban proponent and uses the method all over the place: from personal, through team, to project portfolio level. He is the first Pole to become Kanban Coaching Professional and author of the first Kanban implementation in Polan

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 207!   The Software Process and Measurement Cast 207 includes a review of Discover to Deliver: Agile Product Planning and Analysis.  The six word version of the review is:  Buy This Book, Use This Book. (Discover to Deliver Site) I have also included a classic essay titled “The Center Will Not Hold."  The essay discusses change and the life cycle of how what are percieved as extreme changes evolve into the mainstream over time.  The essay was originally published as part of SPaMCAST 26 - Carr, The Big Seitch which was posted Monday, 28 January 2008. Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniquesco-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team." NOW AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Have you bought your copy? Contact info

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 206!   Software Process and Measurement Cast 206 features my interview with Kenny Rubin.  We disucssed is book Essential Scrum, A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process.  Help support the SPaMCAST by reviewing and rating the Software Process on ITunes!  It helps people find the cast.  Kenny Rubin provides Scrum and agile training and coaching to help companies develop products in an effective and economically sensible way. A Certified Scrum Trainer, Kenny has trained over 18,000 people on agile and Scrum, Smalltalk development, managing object-oriented projects, and transition management. He has coached over 200 companies, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 10. Kenny was the first Managing Director of the worldwide Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on the successful adoption of Scrum. In addition to this book, Kenny is also the coauthor of the 1995 book Succeeding with Objects: Decision Frameworks for Project Management. He received

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 205!   Software Process and Measurement Cast 205 continues with the migration to an every other week magazine format.  I am extremely proud to re-introduce to SPaMCAST listeners Philippe Back.  THis cast will feature my essay on Agile Litmus Tests and Philippe's essay titled, How to structure our workflow when working in an Agile way for a significant project. Check out Philippe's blog entry! Also in SPaMCAST 205 I continue featuring elevator speaches for the upcoming AgileTrek and TesTrek Conferences. Shameless Ad for my book!  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: "This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team."  AVAILABLE IN CHINESE!  Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Ca

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 204!   Software Process and Measurement Cast 204 features my interview with Jason Yip.  We visited the edges of lean and agile ideas.  During the visit we explored how we can all push our knowledge of how work is done! Jason Yip first encountered Extreme Programming in 1999 through discussions on comp.object, comp.software-engineering and Ward's wiki, http://c2.com.  He's been with ThoughtWorks since early 2001, experiencing engagements in operations, setting up builds and continuous integration, custom application development, Agile coaching, process improvement, and is currently a Principal Consultant focusing on organisation-level application of Agile, Lean, and Kanban. The best way to understand Jason's thoughts is to check out his blog (http://jchyip.blogspot.com), follow his Twitter feed (@jchyip), and browse his Slideshare presentations (http://www.slideshare.net/jchyip) The SPaMCAST 204 is sponsored by LeanKit Kanban.  By now, most of you in the Le