SPaMCAST 351 – Distributed Agile, Illusion of Control, QA Corner

Software Process and Measurement Cast 351 includes three columns.  The first is our essay on distributed Agile. What is distributed Agile? The phrase "distributed Agile" is often used indiscriminately; therefore definitions can cover a wide range of situations and evoke a wide range of emotions. A precise definition encompasses three concepts. The first is a team, project or program that is using Agile techniques. The second is geographic distribution describing where team members are located. The location of team members in a distributed team can range from being spread across a single building to members sprinkled across continents. Finally, the third is organizational distribution, meaning that teams can be comprised of members from different companies. No matter the definition, distributed Agile is different. The Software Sensei, Kim Pries dives into the Illusion of Control.  Kim reminds us to drop the egos before you start working and choose your weapons unemotionally! Jeremy Berriault brings a new installment of his QA Corner.  Jeremy discussed why testing is not just a random event. Testing requires planning or you will waste time, effort or your quality. Call to Action! I have a challenge for the Software Process and Measurement Cast listeners for the next few weeks. I would like you to find one person that you think would like the podcast and introduce them to the cast. This might mean sending them the URL or teaching them how to download podcasts. If you like the podcast and think it is valuable they will be thankful to you for introducing them to the Software Process and Measurement Cast. Thank you in advance! Re-Read Saturday News Remember that the Re-Read Saturday of  is in full swing.  This week we tackle the essay titled “The Surgical Team”! The Re-Read Saturday and other great articles can be found on the . Remember: We just completed the Re-Read Saturday of Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox’s The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement which began on February 21nd. What did you think?  Did the re-read cause you to read The Goal for a refresher? Visit the  and review the whole re-read. Note: If you don’t have a copy of the book, buy one. If you use the link below it will support the Software Process and Measurement blog and podcast.  or  Upcoming Events Software Quality and Test Management ConferenceSeptember 13 – 18, 2015San Diego, California I will be speaking on the impact of cognitive biases on teams!  Let me know if you are attending! I HAVE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE. .  . just ask! More on other great conferences soon! Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features our interview with Gil Broza.  We discussed Gil’s new book The Agile Mindset.  Teams and organizations with an Agile mindset deliver more value; however many in the Agile community don’t know or don’t embrace an Agile Mindset.  Gil’s new book explains the concept of the Agile Mindset and how you can find it! Shameless Ad for my book!  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.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book  nglish and Chinese.