Software Process And Measurement Cast

SPaMCAST 23 - Rothman, Project Management , Traceability ** I believe I am back on track since the motherboard failure.  We should be back on track for delivering your favorite process improvement and measurement content every other week! **   Show 23 features an interview with Johanna Rothman.  The interview is titled, “Project Management in the Post Waterfall World".  While the title is a bit fanciful I would suggest that the ideas espoused are very powerful and pertinent to how work is done and managed.    Johanna Rothman consults, speaks, and writes on managing high-technology product development. She assists managers, teams, and organizations to become more effective by applying her pragmatic approaches to the issues of project management, risk management, and people management. She’s helped Engineering organizations, IT organizations, and startups hire technical people, manage projects, and release successful products faster.   Johanna is the author of Manage It! Your Guide

** I know this show is a week late.  I had a motherboard failure; I am working on a replacement. **   Show 22 features an interview with Joe Levens of Wolters Kluwer discussing Configuration Management (CM).  Joe has worked in development, testing, configuration management, and process improvement roles for 24 years. He formed and led the Configuration Management group at Reuters for 8 years, which performed a unique process of integrity checking on software releases, to significantly improve product quality delivered to the customer. His group managed an average of 1000 software and document releases per year, distributed globally. Joseph is currently a Program Manager for Wolters Kluwer, where he chairs a Software Process Improvement Collaboration Forum among organizations throughout North America.                                                       The essay is titled "Attention as an Asset in Outsourcing".  The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.c

Software Process and Measurement Show 21! Show 21 features an interview with Miranda Mason of Accenture on metrics consulting and sourcing programs.  The interview has a ton of information on how to make metrics programs useful and how to approach sourcing these kinds of programs. MS Mason is the global Performance Management and metrics lead for Accenture’s Outsourcing practice. She has extensive experience in IT metrics, Balanced Scorecards, Six Sigma, and application outsourcing. Miranda lives in Denver with her husband and 3 year old son.                                The essay is titled “Marine Corp Marathon 10k and Process Improvement, One Year Later . . ." The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com.  Comments and corrections are welcome! Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!  There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – w

Software Process and Measurement Show 20! Show 20 features Part 2 of an interview with Dave Garmus discussing IFPUG Function Points.  David Garmus is one of the Founders of The David Consulting Group (DCG). David is an acknowledged authority in the sizing, measurement and estimation of software application development. He is a Past President of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) and a member of their Counting Practices Committee. Mr. Garmus is also a member of PMI, SEI and QAI. He has a BS from UCLA and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. He has spoken at numerous conferences and has written many articles and several books, including: ·        Measuring The Software Process: A Practical Guide To Functional Measurements, Prentice Hall, 1996 ·        Function Point Analysis; Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects, Addison-Wesley, 2001 ·        IT Measurement; Practical Advice from the Experts, Addison-Wesley, 2002 as

Software Process and Measurement Cast Show 19! Show 19 features an interview with Dave Garmus discussing IFPUG Function Points.  David Garmus is one of the Founders of The David Consulting Group (DCG). David is an acknowledged authority in the sizing, measurement and estimation of software application development. He is a Past President of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) and a member of their Counting Practices Committee. Mr. Garmus is also a member of PMI, SEI and QAI. He has a BS from UCLA and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. He has spoken at numerous conferences and has written many articles and several books, including: ·        Measuring The Software Process: A Practical Guide To Functional Measurements, Prentice Hall, 1996 ·        Function Point Analysis; Measurement Practices for Successful Software Projects, Addison-Wesley, 2001 ·        IT Measurement; Practical Advice from the Experts, Addison-Wesley, 2002 a

Software Process and Measurement Show 18! Show 18 features an interview with Kent Beck discussing transparency.  Kent Beck is the Founder and Director of Three Rivers Institute (TRI). His career has combined the practice of software development with reflection, innovation, and communication. His contributions to software development include patterns for software, the rediscovery of test-first programming, the xUnit family of developer testing tools, and Extreme Programming. He currently divides his time between writing, programming, and coaching. Beck is the author/co-author of Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change 2nd Edition, Contributing to Eclipse, Test-Driven Development: By Example, Planning Extreme Programming, The Smalltalk Best Practice Patterns, and the JUnit Pocket Guide.  He received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Oregon.   The Three Rivers Institute can be found at www.threeriversinstitute.org/ The essay in this cast is three mini-segments o

Software Process and MeasurementShow 17! Show 16 features an interview Paul Radford of Charismatek Software Metrics discussing using functional metrics to build software.  Paul is one of the movers and shakers behind Charismatek Software Metrics a multifaceted organization that has brought us Function Point Workbench and a wide range of consulting.  Paul is a master at making software measurement relevant to controlling and delivering software. Contact data:   Phone:  + 61 (0) 3 9696 1255Email:  info@charismatek.comhttp://www.charismatek.com   The essay titledfor this cast is titled ““You Get What You Look For, So Look," discusses the common measurement short coming of stock piling data before reporting or using it.   The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com.  Comments and corrections are welcome.   Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!  There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . .  Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages

An open letter to IFPUG members: Board of Directors Election (This letter is not authorized by IFPUG or IFPUG's Board of Directors)  Four Board of Director Candidates speak out on the Issues!  I offered all of the candidates running for the IFPUG Board of Directors the opportunity to answer one question to be posted on the Software Process and Measurement Cast (SPaMCAST).  The question was “in your opinion what is IFPUG’s most significant problem and if elected what would you do about it."   Four of the eight candidates took me up on the offer.  I have packaged their answers on this special edition of SPaMCAST.  Note, I did  no editing  on these responses.  Also the fact that they’re appearing on SPaMCAST is not a recommendation by me or IFPUG.   It is merely a public service for the membership.  If you are interested in listening to the podcast you can subscribe via ITunes, other podcatchers or go to www.spamcast.net for streaming.   Commentary:   As in IFPUG member you have a d

Software Process and MeasurementShow 16! Show 16 features an interview with Mary Poppendieck discussing Lean  Software Development processes.  Mary Poppendieck As a seasoned leader in both operations and new product development, she brings a  practical, customer-focused approach to software development problems. A popular writer and speaker, Mary’s classes on managing software development offer a fresh perspective on project management.  Her book  Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit, was published in 2003 and won the Software Development Productivity Award in 2004.  A sequel, Implementing Lean Software Development: From Concept to  Cash, was published in 2006.  Mary’s contact data is: Phone:  952-934-7998Email:  mary@poppendieck.http://www.poppendieck.com/   The essay on this instatllment of the Software Process and Measurement Cast is a titled “A Pattern of Failure, A Pattern of Change.�?  The essay is a commentary on the lack of systemic thinking we sometimes  see in process impr

Software Process and Measurement Show 15! Show 14 features an interview with Scott Goldfarb discussing software baselines and benchmarks.  Scott, the President of Q/P Management Group (http://www.qpmg.com/), is an international consultant and speaker with over thirty years of software experience.  Scott specializes in helping organizations improve software quality and productivity through measurement.   Scott can be contacted at sgoldfarb@qpmg.com. Ray Rosenblatt has contributed a review of the book “Metrics and Models in Software Quality Engineering�? by Stephen H Kan for the essay.  The text of this commentary can be found at my blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!  There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . .  Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG – www.tcagley.wordpress.com Future Events: On August 23 I will present a DCG / CAI

  Software Process and MeasurementShow 14! Show 14 features an interview with M.A. Parthasarathy discussing estimation and his new book “Practical Software Estimation Function Point Methods for Insourced and Outsourced Projects."  Partha is the Head of Outsourcing Academy at the Strategic Global Sourcing unit at Infosys. In this role, he is responsible for enabling and developing competencies of the SGS Delivery team, specific to large outsourcing engagements.  Partha can be reached at Partha@infosys.com.  The essay for this cast is a review of Partha’s book “Practical Software Estimation".  If you skip the review (really bad choice) just remember this is book is one to buy and use.  The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!  There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . .  Email SPaMCAST at         spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG

Software Process and MeasurementShow 13! Six Month Anniversary Show Thirteen features an interview with Gary Gack on Lean Six Sigma.   The interview is phenomenal!  Gary is the founder of Process-Fusion.net and holds an MBA from the Wharton School.  He is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. In addition an ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE), a Visiting Scientist with the Software Engineering Institute where he co-authored the "Measuring for Performance Driven Improvement 1" course for which he is an authorized instructor, and he holds the ITIL Foundation Certification. He has more than 40 years of diverse experience in the software and IT industry, including more than 20 years focused on process improvement.  Gary can be reach by email at ggack@Process-Fusion.net or by phone at (904) 579-1894.   The essay for this cast is titled, “Achieving Balance in Outsourcing Governance.""  The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember

Show Twelve features the second part of an interview with Charles Symons on Cosmic Full Function Points. COSMIC – Full Function Points are one of the 4 functional metrics recognized by ISO as international standards. The two interviews included great material for anyone interested in IT measurement. Charles is the creator of MARKII Function Points and one of the founding members of COSMIC. Information on COSMIC can be found at http://www.cosmicon.com/advantagecs.asp and http://www.gelog.etsmtl.ca/cosmic-ffp/index.html. The essay for this cast is titled, Why Are Requirements So Hard to Get Right, Process. This is Part Two of the essay cycle on requirements. The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley It is my intent to share

Software Process and Measurement Cast 11! Show Eleven features Part One of an in depth interview with Charles Symons on the topic of COSMIC Full Function Points.  Charles Symons is currently joint project leader of COSMIC, the Common Software Measurement International Consortium. Before leading the development of COSMIC-FFP, Charles invented the Mk II Function Point Analysis technique for sizing software requirements.  Information on COSMIC can be found at http://www.cosmicon.com/advantagecs.asp and http://www.gelog.etsmtl.ca/cosmic-ffp/index.html.    "Inca Trail and Process Improvement: A Ritual Purification".   The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!  There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . .  Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages!    Future Events: On June 21 at 3 PM I will

Software Process and Measurement Cast 10! Show Ten features an interview with David Herron focusing on the thoughts and wisdom of a process improvement warrior.  David is one of the founders of David Consulting Group, a practicing consultant and author.  He is now actively invloved with professional coaching and can be reached throught either David Consulting Group (www.davidconsultinggroup.com) or Ontrack Coaching and Consulting(http://www.ontrackcoaching.com/)   The essay for this cast is titled, The Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs?  We pick up with the sin of sloth. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!    There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . .  Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages!    Future Events:   On June 21 at 3 PM  I will  be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Los Vegas.  The conference and workshops run from Monday Jun

Show Nine features an interview with Patricia Ferdinandi which begins an arc on the thorny topic of requirements.  Patricia is uniquely qualified to begin this discussion as both a practicing consultant and author of the book titled A Requirements Pattern: Succeeding in the Internet Economy.  Requirements are a core (maybe the core) concept of delivering ANY type of project.  The essay for this cast is titled, The Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs?  We begin with the sin of pride or one metric to rule them all.Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!  There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages!  Future Events: On June 21 at 3 PM  I will  be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Las Vegas.  The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in Las Vegas.  Information is available a

Show Eight features an interview with Stephen Finegoldon on the topic of build management.  Build Management is one of those basic blocking and tackling issues that every organization must wrestle with but few do well.  This is especially true for small and medium sized IT shops. Stephen Finegold is the managing partner of SFT Consulting, LLC (www.sftconsulting.com).  SFT Consulting provides outsourced project management, custom software development, and process improvement consulting.  Over the past 15 years, Steve has managed software development in the government, non-profit and the commercial sectors. Stephen Finegold is a Project Management Professional and a Microsoft Certified Professional. The essay for this cast is titled, Involvement:  Whose Industry Is It Anyway?   The essay throws down the gauntlet on the obligation to get involved in the industry you involved in.  Involvement and content creation is CRITICAL to the intellectual vitality of the world around you! Remember that comments and feedback

SPaMCAST Seven! Show Seven features an interview with Kenji Hiranabe on using mind mapping in agile projects.  Mind Mapping is a powerful technique to order information and concentrate communication.  The interview with Mr. Hiranabe includes a large number of practical applications of the method to agile and plan based projects.  Kenji Hiranabe, CEO of Change Vision, Inc (http://www.change-vision.com/index_en.html).  Change Vision develops tools to help deliver effective projects.  He is a Japanese software development consultant and book translator of Extreme Programming Installed, Lean Software Development, Agile Project Management, and other Agile books. He's also an author of JUDE, a UML and MindMap editor software and TRICHORD, an agile project management tool. You can read his blog at http://jude-users.com/en/modules/weblog/index.php?user_id=5.He specializes in agile development, object-oriented software construction and project facilitation.  The essay for this cast is titled, Why are requirements s

The Software Process and Measurement Cast (SPaMCAST) Five features an interview with Ian Brown of Booz Allen Hamilton covering the topic of estimation.  Project estimation (whether software, hardware, network or research projects) is one the hardest areas organizations face when planning or executing work.  Ian provides serious advice for implementing an estimation program.   SPaMCAST Five includes a guest essay by Paul Laberge of CCH Canada on fitting PPQA audit to an organization to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.   If you have an idea for a guest essay contact Tom Cagley at spamcastinfo@gmail.com, the Software Process and Measurement Cast welcomes guest essays!    Finally this cast includes comments on Putts Law.  Putts Law states that - those that understand do not manage and those that manage do not understand.  I am worried about the thought of using project managers wholesale without technical competency.  Does this casue a competency inversion?  What are the attributes of a perfect project m

SPaMCAST Four features an interview with Stasia Iwanicki of the David Consulting Group (www.davidconsultinggroup.com).    Stasia can be reach at s.iwanicki@davidconsultinggroup.com.  Stasia and host, Tom Cagley, discuss the how the CMMI and Six Sigma interact.  The discussion provides information for organization to decide which model makes sense and whether they can be applied at the same time.  The discussion touched on the issue of whether a craft or factory model is healthier as a model for an information technology organizations in the 21st century.  I believe the topic foreshadows its own mud wrestle in the future.  Thoughts? The essay in this cast is titled 'Models, Models Everywhere . . .'  The essay challenges you to clearly understand why you are using any model and to evaluate the value.  Implementing a model for the sake of model is a loosing proposition.  The essay leaves you with the question, 'models, models, everywhere . . . a powerful tool or a straight jacket?' Which is it for you? Next