Software Process And Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 256 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 256 features my second interview with Kenny Rubin.  We talked about Scrum as well as economic frameworks for applying agile. An incredible interview! 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 20,000 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 his B.S. in Information and Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his M.S. i

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 255 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 255 features the essay Project Management is Dead, Long Live Project Management.  The role is what is at issue rather than the concept.  The cast also includes Kim Pries's column.  Kim addresses the use of checklists.  What a SHOW! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. THe ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar recordings, and waives the PDU processing fees on all live and recorded webinars.  The So

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 254 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 254 features my interview with Matt Heusser.  We discussed agile and testing.  It was a great interview full of thought provoking discussion and controversial ideas.   Matthew Heusser is the managing consultant at Excelon Development, where he focuses on software project delivery and risk management. A board member for the Association for Software Testing, lead editor of "How to Reduce the Cost of Software Testing" (Taylor & Francis 2011), Matt recently served as co-chair of the test and quality track of the Agile Conference. You can learn more about Matt at www.xndev.com or follow him on twitter @mheusser. The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 253 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 253 features the essay titled, Cognitive Bias and Effective Teams. Effective teams build an understanding of the capabilities and biases of each member and the team as whole. The most effective means of a team learning about itself is by working together towards a common goal.  The essay begins . . . No man is an island,Entire of itself,Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main. John Donne John Donne may not have had project teams and cognitive biases in mind when he wrote his famous poem however the description is apt. Cognitive bias reflects a pattern of behavior in which a person acts differently than would seem normal in certain situations based on inaccurate judgment or illogical interpretation. Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman introduced the phrase cognitive bias in 1972 . Biases can affect how we make decisions, how teams and individuals behave and even our perception of ourselves. Biases

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 252 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 252 features my intreview Jo Ann Sweeney, Jo Ann and I discussed the need for planning communication when working with distributed multi-cultural teams. Jo Ann's BioJo Ann Sweeney is a communications consultant who helps transformation teams win the support of their sponsors, senior executives and end users. She is known for her ability to help teams understand the change from their audiences’ perspectives, as well as developing communication activities that catch their interest. Jo Ann specialises in helping clients develop activities that take audiences on a journey from awareness, through understanding, to support, involvement and commitment. Teams are able to deliver sticky change. Programmes have spanned skills development, product launches, office relocations, redundancies and redeployment, business process re-engineering, political lobbying, technology rollouts and brand makeovers for corporates, governme

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 251 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 251 features Commitment Part 2 or Revisited depending on your point of view.  This new essay builds on the essay broadcast in SPaMCAST 239 and as I said before, "Committed individuals are the building blocks for building committed teams.  While teams are generally required for achieving results in software development, individuals are never optional" The essay begins . . . Making and keeping commitments is a core component of professional behavior. The simple definition of a commitment is a promise to perform. Commitment that builds motivation and trust is a fundamental part of the Agile framework that encourages us to “learn early and learn often.” Like any other behavior, there is some mix of reward and punishment that organizations can use to encourage appropriate commitment by teams. Whether Agile or Waterfall, commitments are used to manage software projects by driving the behavior of teams. For more on com

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 250 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 250 features my intreview with Ben Linders.  We discussed succeeding with Agile. We covered topics that ranged from success factors to change management.  A fitting interview for the occasion of SPaMCAST 250!    Ben's bioBen Linders is a Senior Consultant in Quality, Agile, Lean, and Process Improvement, based in The Netherlands. As an advisor, coach and trainer, he helps organizations by deploying effective software development and management practices. He focuses on continuous improvement, collaboration and communication, and professional development, to deliver business value to customers. Ben is an active member of several networks on Agile, Lean and Quality, and a frequent speaker and writer. He shares his experience in a bilingual blog (Dutch and English) at www.benlinders.com. Email:                info@benlinders.comTwitter:              @BenLindersWebsite:            http://www.benlinders.com/Facebook:

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 249 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 249 features an essay titled, Agile Decision Making. The essay is a collaboration between Meghan Cagley and myself. Leadership and decision making in Agile organizations and teams requires different processes and skills. We dive right in! We also have a new column by Kim Pries.  Kim expounds on the power of routine. The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. THe ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar rec

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 248 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 248 features my intreview with Pat O'Toole.  We discussed project improvement and process improvement. A wonderfully practical interiew! Pat's bio Pat O’Toole is a Principal Consultant at Process Assessment, Consulting & Training (PACT) where he provides a variety of services to his CMMI-based performance improvement clients.  Pat is one of the most active SCAMPI lead appraisers, and has led assessments spanning all maturity levels, including some of the largest and most complex Level 5 appraisals conducted to date. With over 30 years of software development, project management, and consulting experience, Pat works with all levels of management, Engineering Process Groups, and Process Action Teams in establishing, evaluating, and sustaining performance improvement initiatives.  He has authored over 60 papers and research studies and is a popular instructor who supplements standard training material with his

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 247 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 247 features my essay on Sprint Reviews and Demonstrations.  It is all about the feedback. The essay begins . . . Demonstrations, or demos, are Agile’s mechanism to share what the team has accomplished during the current sprint. Show and tell, just like in kindergarten, is the basic component of the demo. The team can describe what they’ve done so that it is easy for stakeholders to interpret. Demos build the team’s confidence that they are on the right track and customer satisfaction with the product as it is being built. The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 246 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 246 features my interview with Tobias Mayer.  We discussed his new book, The People's Scrum: Agile Ideas for Revolutionary Transformation. We met on the barricades and I was informed and radicalized a little bit! Tobias Mayer has a background in software development, publishing, theatre arts, and community service work. He began his Agile journey at Yahoo! in 2003, and spent the years 2005-12 working as a freelance change agent, trainer and facilitator, providing coaching and consulting services to teams and organizations wishing to make a transition to more agile, trustful and team-centered ways of working. An online essayist, Tobias blogs at businesscraftsmanship.com, where he frequently challenges the status quo, and offers ideas to inspire other practitioners in the organizational development field. Tobias returned to Yahoo! in 2013 where he is engaged as a Scrum coach and internal consultant. Check out Tobi

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 245 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 245 features my essay on the ins and outs of Agile release plans.I have been involved with very few projects that did not have to answer the age old questions: “When are you going to deliver?” and “What are you going to deliver?” In standard waterfall projects, we would answer those questions with requirements documents, charters and project schedules. In an Agile project a release plan answers the same what and when questions based organizational vision, project needs and team capabilities. The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 244 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 244 features my interview with Naomi Karten. Noami and I discussed her newest book, How to Survive, Excel and Advance as an Introvert. As with the other interviews I have done with Naomi I have been enriched by her wisdom and wit.  You will be too!  Naomi Karten (www.nkarten.com) is well-known for delivering serious material with a light touch. She has delivered seminars and presentations to more than 100,000 people in such diverse locations as Oslo, Zurich, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Trinidad, and Costa Rica, as well as throughout the US and Canada. Her services have helped organizations and individuals improve customer satisfaction, manage change, strengthen teamwork, and develop strong communication skills. Naomi’s ebook, How to Survive, Excel and Advance as an Introvert (the subject of this podcast), is designed to support and encourage her fellow introverts and to help extraverts better understand introversion. Thi

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 243 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 243 features my on essay titled, "What is Agile?" What does it mean to be Agile? We also have a new column from Kim Pries titled "Making Your Work Synchronous."  Big show with lots of big ideas! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. THe ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar recordings, and waives the PDU processing fees on all live and recorded webinars.  The Software Process and Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 242    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 242 features my interview with Timothy Grayson. Timothy is the author of The Spaces In Between. We discussed discovery, learning and innovation! Mr Grayson's Bio . . . Timothy Grayson exposes simple truths and envisions a better future when smart people stop getting railroaded by intellectual bullies. In his latest book, The Spaces In Between, he encourages different thinking and new perspectives. For 25-years, Timothy has innovated in software, investment management, online travel, and postal services. He’s been a recognized thought leader in digital identity, direct/mobile marketing, and digital geo-location. An irregular blogger at recursiveProgress, Timothy’s writing has appeared in many magazines, newpapers, and online forums. He speaks often for organizations and at conferences on innovation, the future of IT, and better futures. Email: enquire@timothygrayson.comFollow Timothy on Twiitter: @graysonicles

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 241    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 241 features my on essay Agile Coaches. Coaches can have a major impact on process implementation and on project success.  What are they? What aren't they? What do they do? The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor . . . As many you know I do at least one webinar for the IT Metrics and Productivtity Intstiute (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI's mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world's leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. THe ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar recordings, and waives the PDU processing fees on all live and recorded webinars.  The Software Process and Measurement Cast recieves a fee if yo

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 240    The Software Process and Measurement Cast features my interview with Robert Ferguson.  We discussed what leads to good proejcts and product development.  Bob Ferguson has been working in Software Engineering Measurement and Analysis (SEMA) at the SEI for 9 years. Prior to this work he has had long career in industry as developer and project manager. His industry experience includes real-time simulation, CAD/CAM, engineering test systems, large transaction and database systems and telephone switches. He is past chairman of the Chicago Software Process Improvement Network (C-SPIN). He has a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute and he is a Senior Member of the IEEE. You can see a list of his publications at http://www.sei.cmu.edu/about/people/profile.cfm?id=ferguson_13954  The Software Process and Measurement Cast is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network.  Check out the Software Process and Measurement and other great casts like

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 239    The Software Process and Measurement Cast 239 features my essay on commitment. Committed individuals are the building blocks for building committed teams.  While teams are generally required for achieving results in software development, individuals are never optional. THe Software Process and Measurement Cast is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network.  Check out the Software Process and Measurement and other great casts like The Audacity to Podcast . . .podcast!  http://www.techpodcasts.com/theaudacitytopodcast/ Do you have a Facebook account?  If you do please visit and like the Software Process and Measurement Cast page on Facebook. http://bit.ly/16fBWV The Daily Process Thoughts is my project designed to deliver a quick daily idea, thought or simple smile to help you become a better change agent. Each day you will get piece of thought provoking text and a picture or hand drawn chart to illustrate the idea being presented. The goal is to deliv

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 238    The Software Process and Measurement Cast features my interview with Bram Meyerson.  We discussed benchmarking.  Benchmarking is the process of knowing yourself and it is the first step in process improvement.  Bram Meyerson is the founder and CEO of QuantiMetrics and QVIP. He holds a double major BSc degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and an Honours degree in Computer Science, both from the University of the Witwatersrand. For the last 20 years, Bram has managed and delivered a range of assessment and benchmarking services. In this role, Bram has worked closely with CIOs, IS directors and systems development managers in assessing, benchmarking and optimising their project performance. Currently much of this activity involves the ongoing independent assessment and benchmarking of supplier (outsourced) performance on behalf of IT user organisations.   Email: bram@quantimetrics.netWebsite: http://www.quantimetrics.net/default.asp  Do y

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 237    The Software Process and Measurement Cast includes my essay on a few of the issues that can plague stand-up meetings. The SPaMCAST 237 marks the return of Philippe Back with an essay on Information Overload.  The Daily Process Thoughts is my project designed to deliver a quick daily idea, thought or simple smile to help you become a better change agent. Each day you will get piece of thought provoking text and a picture or hand drawn chart to illustrate the idea being presented. The goal is to deliver every day; rain or shine, in sickness or in health or for better or worse! 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 y