Software Process and Measurement Cast

One last week in mixtape format! I am completing a trip that is a mixture of vacation and a board meeting but that does not mean you have to forego your weekly SPaMCAST.  In place of our normal format, I am posting a mix tape of the answers to the “If you could change two things” question I have been asking interviewees for nearly ten years.  This week on SPaMCAST 393 we feature our top downloaded podcasts from the year 2010: SPaMCAST 85 – Cory Foy on Agile Coaching   http://bit.ly/1Qmmx0g Cory used his wishes to discuss the obsession with certification rather than performance and bring user into making critical business decisions so that usability is maximized. SPaMCAST 92 – Don Reinertsen on Product Development Flow  http://bit.ly/1WERCDZ Don used his wishes to ask that people understand the economics of product development and then to use that understanding to measure and reduce WIP queues. SPaMCAST 94 - Ivar Jacobson on SEMAT http://bit.ly/1SYSmhA Ivar discussed the SEMAT core defining software engineering and how SPaMCAST listeners can support the development of SEMAT. If these excerpts tickled your fancy listen to the whole interview by clicking on the links shown above. Next week we will return to regular programming with a thought provoking interview.

I am still traveling for the next two weeks. The trip is a mixture of vacation and a board meeting but that does not mean you will have to forego your weekly SPaMCAST.  In place of our normal format, I am posting a mix tape of the answers to the “If you could change two things” question I have been asking interviewees for nearly ten years.  This week on SPaMCAST 392 we feature our top downloaded podcasts from the year 2009: SPaMCAST 51 - Tim Lister on Adrenaline Junkies and Template Zombies http://bit.ly/1WERtk5 Tim discussed ending the estimating charade.  Tim stated it would be better if we recognized estimating as goal setting. Secondly, he noted that a lot of outsourcing has overshot its mark and reduced our organizational capabilities. SPaMCAST 67 - Murali Chemuturi on Software Estimation Best Practices, Tools & Techniques http://bit.ly/1MHDzeJ Murali used his wishes to state that estimators need a better grasp and understanding the concepts of productivity and scheduling. SPaMCAST 69 - Kevin Brennan on Business Analysis http://bit.ly/1WERB2V Kevin answered a different question and discussed the message he would share with a C-Level executive to describe why business analysis is important to them. If you enjoyed the snippets please use the links to listen to the whole interviews.  Next week 2010!

The first full Software Process and Measurement Cast posted on January 29th, 2007. When the first cast posted we were on an every other week schedule whereas today we post weekly. Over the next few weeks, I will be traveling. The trip is a mixture of vacation and a board meeting but that does not mean you will have to forego your weekly SPaMCAST. In place of our normal format, I will post a mixtape of the answers to the “If you could change two things” question I have been asking interviewees for nearly ten years. SPaMCAST 391 will feature our top downloaded podcasts from the years of 2007 and 2008: SPaMCAST 2 – Will McKnight on Process and Product Quality Assurance http://bit.ly/1VBujvS Will used his wishes to talk about the need for an organizational process focus and the guidance to sustain process improvement. SPaMCAST 4 - Stasia Iwanicki on Six Sigma http://bit.ly/1WdJnOP Stasia used her first wish to address requirements capture, development, and management. Her second wish was for better measurement for supporting the software development process. SPaMCAST 49 – Robin Goldsmith on Requirements http://bit.ly/23ZC9Av Robin used his wishes to discuss the need to capture and validate the real business requirements which lead to better systems. If you enjoyed the snippets please use the links to listen to the whole interviews. Next week 2009!

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 390 features our interview with Vinay Patankar. We discussed his start up Process Street and the path Vinay and his partner took in order to embrace agile because it delivered value, not just because it was cool. We also discussed how Agile fits or helps in a lean start-up and the lessons Vinay wants to pass on to others. Vinay’s Bio: Vinay Patankar is the co-founder and CEO of Process Street, the simplest way to manage your teams recurring processes and workflows. Easily set up new clients, onboard employees and manage content publishing with Process Street. Process Street is a venture-backed SaaS company and AngelPad alum with numerous fortune 500 clients. When not running Process Street, Vinay loves to travel and spent 4 years as a digital nomad roaming the globe running different internet businesses. He enjoys food, fitness and talking shop. Twitter: @vinayp10 Re-Read Saturday News We continue the read Commitment – Novel About Managing Project Risk by Maassen, Matts, and Geary. Buy your copy today and read along (use the link to support the podcast). This week we tackle Chapters Three which explores visualization, knowledge options and focusing on outcomes. Visit the Software Process and Measurement Blog to catch up on past installments of Re-Read Saturday. Upcoming Events I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd. I will be teaching a full day class on Agile Estimation on April 18 and presenting Budgeting, Estimating, Planning and #NoEstimates: They ALL Make Sense for Agile Testing! on Wednesday, April 20th. Register now! I will be speaking at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 Conference in Annapolis, Maryland, May 10th and 11th. Register Now! Next SPaMCAST The next three weeks will feature mix tapes with the “if you could fix two things” questions from the top downloads of 2007/08, 2009 and 2010. I will be doing a bit of vacationing and all the while researching, writing content and editing new interviews for the sprint to episode 400 and beyond.   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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book here. Available in English and Chinese.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 389 essay on different layers and anti-patterns of Agile Acceptance Testing. Many practitioners see Agile acceptance testing as focused solely on validating the business facing functionality. This is a misunderstanding; acceptance testing is more varied. We also have a column from Kim Pries, the Software Sensei.  Kim discusses the significance of soft skills. Kim starts his essay with the statement, “The terms we use to talk about soft skills may reek of subjective hand-waving, but they can often be critical to a career.” Gene Hughson anchors the cast with a discussion from his blog Form Follows Function, titled Gene concludes that OODA loops help address the fact that “We can’t operate with a “one and done” philosophy” when it comes to software architecture. We are also changing and curtailing some of the comments at the end of the cast based on feedback from listeners. We will begin spreading out some of the segments such as future events over the month so that if you binge listen, the last few minutes won’t be as boring and boring. Re-Read Saturday News This week we begin the read by Maassen, Matts, and Geary.  Buy your copy today and read along (use the link to support the podcast). This week we tackle Chapters One and Two which set the context for the novel and introduces the concept of real options.   Upcoming Events I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd.  I will be teaching a full day class on on April 18 and presenting on Wednesday, April 20th.  ! I will be speaking at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 Conference in Annapolis, Maryland May 10th and 11th. Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features our interview with Vinay Patankar.  We discussed his start up, Process Street, and the path Vinay and his partner took in order to embrace agile because it delivered value, not just because it was cool.  We also discussed how Agile fits or helps in a lean start-up and the lessons Vinay wants to pass on to others.   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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book nglish and Chinese.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 388 features our interview with Dr. Mark Bojeun. Dr. Bojeun returns to the podcast to discuss how a PMO can be a strategic tool for an organization. If a PMO is merely a control point or an administrative function, their value and longevity are at risk. Mark suggests that there is a better way. Mark last visited the Software Process and Measurement Cast on .  We discussed his book,  (). Mark’s BioDr. Bojeun has more than 20 years of experience in providing strategic management and leadership through portfolio, project and program management. His experience includes developing and managing multi-million dollar portfolios, programs and projects, facilitating the achievement of strategic objectives, and creating best practice processes for program and project management efforts. Dr. Bojeun has designed and implemented multiple Enterprise Program Management Offices (EPMOs) for domestic and multinational firms and has extensive experience in organizational change management through transformational leadership, strategic support and staff empowerment to management professionals in the development and implementation of organizational vision, mission, objectives, and goals. Dr. Bojeun holds a Program Management Professional (PgMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Risk Management (PMI-RMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), and has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, an MBA from George Mason University and a PhD in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Bojeun’s new book,  as part of CRC Publishing’s Best Practices and Advances in Program Management Series addresses the need for effective leadership styles in managing programs and projects achieving high performing teams that consistently exceed expectations. Over the last ten years, Dr. Bojeun has provided commercial training courses in all aspects of Program and Project management and has been an Adjunct Professor for a number of universities. Dr. Bojeun is currently an Adjunct Professor at Strayer University where he actively teaches business, logistics and project management courses for both undergraduate as well as graduate students. In addition, he provides motivational presentations to leaders throughout the world. Contact Mark on Re-Read Saturday NewsThis week we have a few final notes on our re-read of by Douglas W. Hubbard on the .  In this week installment we summarize our major take away and identify what we can do to improve based on our new knowledge. We will read k by Olav Maassen and Chris Matts for our next Re-Read beginning next week. Buy your copy today and start reading (use the link to support the podcast). In the meantime, vote in our poll for the next, next book. As in past polls please vote twice or suggest a write-in candidate in the comments. We will run the poll for one more week. Upcoming EventsI will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd. I will be teaching a full day class on on April 18 and presenting on Wednesday, April 20th. Register now! I will be speaking at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 Conference in Annapolis, Maryland May 10th and 11th. Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature our essay on different layers and anti-patterns of Agile Acceptance Testing . Many practitioners see Agile acceptance testing as focused solely on the business facing functionality. This is a misunderstanding; acceptance testing is more varied. We will also have columns from Kim Pries and Gene Hughson! 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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book book English and Chinese.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 387 includes three features.  The first is our essay on storytelling.  Storytelling is a tool that is useful in many scenarios, for , to help people frame their thoughts and for gathering information. A story provides both a deeper and more nuanced connection with information than most lists of PowerPoint bullets or even structured requirements documents. The essay provides an excellent supplement to our interview with Jason Little (). The second feature this week is Steve Tendon discussing Chapter 9 of Tame The Flow: Hyper-Productive Knowledge-Work Performance, The TameFlow Approach and Its Application to Scrum and Kanban published J Ross. Chapter 9 is titled “Critical Roles, Leadership and More”.  We discuss why leadership roles are important to achieve hyper-productive performance. Sometimes in Agile and other approaches, it is easy to overlook the role of leaders outside of the team. Remember Steve has a great offer for SPaMCAST listeners. Check `out   for a way to get Tame The Flow: Hyper-Productive Knowledge-Work Performance, The TameFlow Approach, and Its Application to Scrum and Kanban at 40% off the list price. Anchoring the cast this week is a visit to the QA Corner.  Jeremy Berriault discusses whether a career and the path your career might take in testing is an individual or a team sport.  Jeremy dispenses useful advice even if you are not involved in testing. Re-Read Saturday News This week we are back with Chapter 14 of by Douglas W. Hubbard on the .  is titled A Universal Measurement Method.  In this chapter, Hubbard provides the readers with a process for applying Applied Information Economics. We will read by Olav Maassen and Chris Matts for our next Re-Read.  Buy your copy today and start reading (use the link to support the podcast). In the meantime, vote in our poll for the next book.  As in past polls please vote twice or suggest a write-in candidate in the comments.  We will run the poll for two more weeks. Upcoming Events I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd.  I will be teaching a full day class on on April 18 and presenting on Wednesday, April 20th.  ! I will be speaking at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 Conference in Annapolis, Maryland May 10th and 11th. Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature our interview with Dr. Mark Bojeun.  Dr. Bojeun returns to the podcast to discuss how a PMO can be a strategic tool for an organization.  If a PMO is merely a control point or an administrative function, their value and longevity are at risk.  Mark suggests that there is a better way. 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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book nglish and Chinese.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 386 features our interview with Jason Little. Jason and I discussed his exploration of storytelling in change management.  Stories are a powerful tool to develop and hone a big picture view of organizational change. Jason began his career as a web developer when Cold Fusion roamed the earth. Over the following years, he moved into management, Agile Coaching and consulting. The bumps and bruises collected along the way brought him to the realization that helping organizations adopt Agile practices is less about the practices, and all about change. In 2008, he attended an experiential learning conference about how people experience change, and since then he’s been writing and speaking all over the world about helping organizations discover more effective practices for managing organizational change. He is the author of Lean Change Management and an international speaker who has spoken all over the world from Canada, the US, Finland, Germany, Australia, Belgium and more. Contact Data:http://www.twitter.com/jasonlittle Re-Read Saturday News This week we are back with Chapter 13 of by Douglas W. Hubbard on the . In we discuss New Measurement Instruments for Management.  Hubbard shifts gears in this chapter to focus the reader on the new tools that our dynamic, electronically-tethered environment has created.  Here is a summary of the chapter in a few bullet points:   Everyone creates data that is trackable and measurable. The internet is a measurement instrument. Prediction markets are a way to synthesize a wide variety of opinions.   It is time to begin the selection process for the next’ish book for the Re-Read Saturday.  We will read Commitment – Novel About Managing Project Risk by Olav Maassen and Chris Matts based on the recommendation of Steven Adams first then move to the next book.  As in past polls please vote twice or suggest a write-in candidate in the comments.  We will run the poll for three weeks. Upcoming Events I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd.  I will be teaching a full day class on on April 18 and presenting on Wednesday, April 20th.  ! I will be speaking at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 Conference in Annapolis, Maryland May 10th and 11th. Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature our essay on storytelling. In the Harvard Business Review article,  by Harrison Monarth (March 11, 2014), Keith Quesenberry, a researcher from Johns Hopkins, notes “People are attracted to stories because we’re social creatures and we relate to other people.” The power of storytelling is that it helps us understand each other and develop empathy. Storytelling is a tool that is useful in many scenarios; for , but also to help people frame their thoughts and for gathering information. A story provides both a deeper and more nuanced connection with information than most lists of PowerPoint bullets or even structured requirements documents. The essay provides an excellent supplement to our interview with Jason Little. 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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book nglish and Chinese.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 385 features our essay on Agile portfolio metrics. Agile portfolio metrics are integral to prioritization and validating the flow of work. But, are only useful if they provide value. Metrics and measures add value if they reduce uncertainty so that we can make better decisions.  In the second segment, Kim Pries, the Software Sensei asks the question, “Why should we care about diversity?” No spoilers here, but the answer might have something to do with value! Anchoring the cast, Gene Hughson discusses Architecture and OODA Loops: Fast Is Not Enough from his blog Form Follows Function! For those of you that don’t remember, OODA stands for observe, orient, decide, and act. Re-Read Saturday NewsThis week we are back with Chapter 12 of by Douglas W. Hubbard on the Software Process and Measurement Blog. In Chapter 12 we discussed The Ultimate Measurement Instrument: Human Judges. Humans can be a valuable measurement tool; however, that value requires using techniques to correct for the certain errors that are common in unaided human judgment. Upcoming EventsI am facilitating the CMMI Capability Challenge. This new competition showcases thought leaders who are building organizational capability and improving performance. Listeners will be asked to vote on the winning idea which will be presented at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 conference. The next CMMI Capability Challenge session will be held on March 15th at 1 PM EST. http://cmmiinstitute.com/conferences#thecapabilitychallenge I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd. I will be teaching a full day class on on April 18 and presenting on Wednesday, April 20th.  ! Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature our interview with Jason Little. Jason and I discussed his exploration of the use of storytelling in change management. Stories are a powerful tool to develop and hone a big picture view of organizational change. 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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book nglish Chinese.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 384 features our interview with Gwen Walsh. Gwen is the President of TechEdge LLC. We discuss leadership and why leadership is important. We also discuss the topic of performance appraisals and how classic methods can hurt your organization. Gwen’s advice both redefines industry standards and provides you with an idea of what is truly possible. Gwen Walsh has built a career creating and implementing business and technology solutions that redefine the industry standards for both Fortune 100 corporations and entrepreneurial organizations. With over 25 years of experience in leadership development and organizational transformation, Ms. Walsh, founder of TechEdge LLC, helps her clients stay ahead of their competition, stay in touch with their customers and stay in high demand. Ms. Walsh's client portfolio includes Kaiser Permanente, Hospital Corporation of America, Hewlett-Packard, KeyBank, Medical Mutual of Ohio, General Motors, Omaha Public Power District and Anheuser-Busch.  Contact information Re-Read Saturday NewsThis week we are back with Chapter 11 of by Douglas W. Hubbard on the . Chapter 11 begins section four of the book and is titled Preferences and Attitudes: The Softer Side of Measurement. The softer side is a euphemism for attitudes and opinions.  In this chapter, we visit how to: · Measure opinions and feelings.· Design out bias in surveys and questions.· Observe opinions and feelings through trade-offs.· Use trade-offs to describe risk tolerance. Anyone living in the United States knows that every election year there are a plethora opinion polls.  One of my favorite blogs is Nate Silver’s FiveThrityEight, which shows a wealth of statistical information about sports, economics, culture, and politics (a form of sport).  Much of the data presented is a reflection of opinions and attitudes. Often they are real predictors of behavior and product success.  Upcoming EventsI am facilitating the CMMI Capability Challenge. This new competition showcases thought leaders who are building organizational capability and improving performance. Listeners will be asked to vote on the winning idea which will be presented at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 conference. The next CMMI Capability Challenge session will be held on March 15th at 1 PM EST. I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd.  I will be teaching a full day class on on April 18 and presenting on Wednesday, April 20th.  ! Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features our essay on portfolio metrics. Agile portfolio metrics are integral to prioritization and validating the flow of work. But, are only useful if they provide value. Metrics and measures add value if they reduce uncertainty so that we can make better decisions.  We will also have a new installment from the Software Sensei. Kim asks the question, “Why should we care about diversity?” Gene Hughson will anchor cast with another entry from his wonderful blog Form Follows Function! 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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book nglish h and Chinese.