Software Process And Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 116! The Software Process and Measurement Cast this week features an interview with Naomi Karten discussing her 7th book, Presentation Skills for Technical Professionals: Achieving Excellence. If you have to get up in front people (real or virtual) I commend this interview to you and suggest book marking it as you will be back OFTEN! I also suggest they you buy the book! Naomi Karten (www.nkarten.com) is well-known for delivering serious material with a light touch. As principal of her training and consulting business, 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 help organizations and individuals improve customer satisfaction, manage change, and strengthen communication skills. Naomi’s 7th book, Presentation Skills for Technical Professionals: Achieving Excellence, which is the subject of

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 115! Recorded in the Marriott Courtyard Dun Loring Fairfax in Virginia.  Happy New Year! Moral Hazards occur when someone insulated from risk behaves differently than they would behave if they were fully exposed to the risk. I recently listened to someone order two pounds of chicken wings and then comment that his high cholesterol drugs would protect him from the potential negative impact.  He felt insulated from the risk therefore made a different choice if he had not been insulated. The discussions financial crises and bank bailouts have embedded the term moral hazard into our day to day vocabulary (not just into discussions of behavioral economics). While it is rare, even today,  to attach the concept of moral hazard to a methodology or software development framework, I would suggest that when applied to the world of project governance, moral hazards do exist and might not be easily recognized or mitigated. While I am not suggesting you will run into any

The Software Process and Measurement Cast this week features an in interview with Barbara Zimmerman of IT Directions.  We discussed contracts negotiations, tips getting them right and what how they can go wrong. Barb is a recognized leader in evaluating application software and negotiating IT contracts, Barb has a passion for aligning corporate and vendor expectations for mutual success. She has more than 20 years of consulting experience, and has assisted over 120 companies. As a licensed CPA, her rare blend of financial and operational experience facilitates a holistic approach to projects. Barb has a thorough knowledge of business processes and industry best practices and can help organizations innovate to use technology to achieve their goals. Barb has a strong results and achievement orientation with a reputation for teamwork, open communication, organization, high energy, and leadership. Emial:  bzimmerman@itdirections.comWebsite: http://www.itdirections.com/index.htmlPhone:  952-445-4112 The audio for

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 113! In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 113 features on of the entries in the Metrics Minute.  We talk about assignment scope!  Maintenance Assignment Scope is a measure of the efficiency of the application support function. Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing is available on Amazon now!  A recent email sang the praises of Mastering like this: "The book is extremely well written explaining the nuances of pro-active project management and can be used by Project Manager’s at every level including the beginners. Very straight forward, simple in application and easy to adopt." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 112! The Software Process and Measurement Cast this week features an in interview with Israel Gat, Practice Director for the Cutter Agile Practice.  We explored the concept of technical debit, how it is measured and the impact of technical debt on the organization. Israel Gat is recognized as the architect of the agile transformation at BMC Software. Under his leadership, BMC software development increased Scrum users from zero to 1,000, resulting in nearly three times faster time to market and 20-50% improvement in team productivity. Dr. Gat’s executive career spans top technology companies, including IBM, Microsoft, Digital, and EMC. He has led the development of products such as BMC Performance Manager and Microsoft Operations Manager, enabling the two companies to move toward next-generation system management technology. Dr. Gat is also well versed in growing smaller companies and has held advisory and venture capital positions for companies in new, hig

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 109! In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 111 we complete the essay, Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs, Greed.  The greed while the last sin we cover is certianly not the least of the sin of measurement programs. Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing is available on Amazon now!  A recent email sang the praises of Mastering like this: "The book is extremely well written explaining the nuances of pro-active project management and can be used by Project Manager’s at every level including the beginners. Very straight forward, simple in application and easy to adopt." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitt

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 110! The Software Process and Measurement Cast this week features an in interview with Scott Price of LoadStorm.com. Our discussion focused on load testing but covered ground that included the whole life testing life cycle. Scott Price is the Omega Geek at LoadStorm.com. As a 25-year veteran in the software industry, he is currently enjoying the pursuit of his passion for web application performance engineering. He is a frequent public speaker because of his unusual blend of technical knowledge and presentation skills. His focus is on developing cloud products such as LoadStorm, promoting faster web page speeds, and improving overall web app performance under heavy traffic. He works with customers by support them through coaching in use of performance testing tools and techniques. From a family with several generations of entrepreneurs, Scott founded and managed Advantage Medical Systems, Inc. which was acquired by Acxiom Corporation in 1995. He co-founded

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 109! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions.  The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program. In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 109 we explore the how measurement and envy can be interwoven.  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing is available on Amazon now!  A recent email sang the praises of "Mastering" like this: "The book is extremely well written explaining the nuances of pro-active project management and can be used by Project Manager’s at every level including the begin

Software Process and Measurement Cast 108 features my discussion with Bob Lewis.  We talked about his new book Bare Bone Change Management, success, IT philosophy and a slew of other topics.    Robert Lewis, president and founder of IT Catalysts, is one of the most respected advisers and commentators in the IT industry. He is the award-winning author of eight books and nearly 800 columns dealing with how to effectively lead information technology organizations, integrate them into the enterprise, and use them as part of effectively planned and executed business change programs. Known for his unique blend of vision and pragmatism, Mr. Lewis is recognized internationally as an authority on how to maximize the value delivered by information technology organizations and to achieve designed and planned organizational change. Prior to founding IT Catalysts, Mr. Lewis held a wide variety of executive, management, staff, and consulting positions in the field of information technology, as well as positions in manufact

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 107! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions.  The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program. In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 107 we explore the effect of measurement lust.  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing has hit the bookshelves!  According to one the reviews on Amazon: "There are lots of books on software project management. Why this one and who is the audience? "Mastering Software Project Management" is an attempt to provide coverage of all the major topics that mu

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 106! SPaMCAST 106 features my interview with Larry Goldberg.  We discussed the book he co-authored, The Decision Model: A Business Logic Framework linking Business and Technology.  This was a wide ranging interview.  I am sure you will enjoy it! Larry Goldberg is Managing Partner of Knowledge Partners International, LLC (KPI),with over thirty years of experience in building technology based companies on three continents, and in which the focus was rules-based technologies and applications.Commercial applications in which he played a primary architectural role include such diverse domains as healthcare, supply chain, and property & casualty insurance. Larry is co-author of The Decision Model: A Business Logic Framework linking Business and Technology (Auerbach, 2009), a co-editor of The Business RuleRevolution: Running the Business the Right Way (HappyAbout.info 2007), on the editorial board of www.BPMInstitute.org and is the Editorial Director of the BD

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 105! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions.  The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program. In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 105 we explore wrath.  Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing has hit the bookshelves!  According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project man

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 104. SPaMCAST 104  features my interview with Nigel Green coauthor of Lost In Translation.  Nigel provides insights that suggests a new path for projects that focuses on the human dimensions of change.Nigel Green is an business change consultant, IS advisor and author who specialises in the conception, management and delivery of business-led IT solutions. He is fascinated by two things: the way people actually use IT and how well IT reflects real-world behaviour. His list of favourite authors hints at his values: philosophers, economists, architects, physicists, anthropologists, entrepreneurs, technologists and systems theory thought leaders are on that list. A business/IT translator for over 25 years, Nigel specializes in large organizations with complex and distributed operating models. website : www.5dinnovation.comTwitter: www.twitter.com/taotwit Ad for my book! Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by M

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 103. SPaMCAST 103 will feature the third installment of the Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay.  Sloth plagues many measurement programs as they age.  As time goes by, it is easy for practitioners to drift away from the passionate pursuit of data to transform into knowledge. Sloth in measurement programs is typically not caused by laziness.  In this essay we explore the reasons for apparent sloth and how to conquer those problems. Note based on a comment by @The0retico on Twitter I have shortened the intro and will work on shortening the extro section.  This week we have have comment by Royce Edwards after the essay.  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 has hit the bookshelves!  According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Ma

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 102. SPaMCAST 102 features my interview with Anita Cassidy.  We discussed her book "A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning" along with how to improve value and performance of IT! Anita Cassidy is owner and partner of ITDirections ( www.itdirections.com ), a technology consulting organization focused on the areas of strategic planning, assessments, software selection, contract negotiation, process improvement, coaching and temporary CIO. With over 30 years experience in IT, Anita has a reputation in the industry as a trusted advisor, consultant, and executive coach who has a true passion and track-record for making a difference. Anita is a nationally recognized industry leader in strategic planning and has published five books, including a best-seller titled "A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning" (Taylor & Francis Group). Her latest book, published in 2010 was titled "A Practical Guide to Reducing IT Costs" (JR

SPaMCAST 101 features the second part of my Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay.  In this installment we focus on gluttony.  I jumped over sloth as I decided it needed a rewrite (no sloth here!). Citrix GoToAssist Express is sponsoring SPaMCAST Solve technical issues faster with GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days. 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 has hit the bookshelves!  According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spam

SPaMCAST 100 . . . YES 100 features an interview with Chris Hefley  Chris and I discussed Kanban.  This is an interview that will help novices and those experienced with Kanban.  Paul Laberge asked for an interview on the nuts and bolts of Kanban and I think we have delivered. Chris Hefley is the CEO and co founder of Bandit Software. Bandit Software is a Nasvhille, TN based company that specializes in tools for Kanban and Lean Software Development, as well as training, coaching, consulting and lean outsourcing. Chris is a career software developer and aspiring craftsman, and has a deep interest in things that can help software developers be more productive, effective, and happy. Citrix GoToAssist Express is sponsoring SPaMCAST Solve technical issues faster with GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days. 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 has hit the bookshelves!  According

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 99! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions.  The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program.  The preamble . . . The Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs: Pride – Believing that a single number / metric is more important than any other factor. Envy – Instituting measures that facilitate the insatiable desire for another team’s people, tools or applications. Wrath – Using measures to create friction between groups or teams. Sloth – Unwillingness to act or care about the measures you create. Greed – Allowing metrics to be used as a tool to game the system for gain. Gluttony – Collecting data for data'

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 98! The Software Process and Measurement Cast this week features an in interview with Richard Soley.  The interview with Richard wraps up my interviews with the troika of luminaries that are leading the SEMAT initiative.  Richard provides a great wrap up on the goals, benefits and ideas that define SEMAT. Dr. Richard Mark Soley is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OMG TM. As Chairman and CEO of OMG, Dr. Soley is responsible for the vision and direction of the world's largest consortium of its type. Dr. Soley joined the nascent OMG as Technical Director in 1989, leading the development of OMG's world-leading standardization process and the original CORBA® specification. In 1996, he led the effort to move into vertical market standards (starting with healthcare, finance, telecommunications and manufacturing) and modeling, leading first to the Unified Modeling Language TM (UML®) and later the Model Driven Architecture® (MDA®). He also led the effort to e

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 97! Software Process and Measurement Cast features an essay on time-to-market which is an excerpt from a new writing project I am calling The Metrics Minute.  You will see more essays from this project in the future and a call to action. The first few lines . . . Time-to-market (TTM) is a measure of the calendar duration of a project.  Calendar time  is the granddaddy of all measures of project performance.  The popularity of the measure is driven by its ease of calculation as by definition all projects have a start date and every day that goes by adds one to day to the duration of the project and brings you one day closer to both the predicted and eventual end of the project. Time to market because it's simplicity has a great deal of allure however because of it simplicity it has very little explanatory power. Calendar time is a metric that everyone can understand in theory however how long is too long or why one project takes longer than another can only