Software Process and Measurement Cast

SPaMCAST 313 features our essay on developing an initial backlog.  Developing an initial backlog is an important step to get projects going and moving in the right direction. If a project does not start well, it is hard for it to end well.  We will provide techniques to help you begin well! The essay begins: Many discussions of Agile techniques begin with the assumption that a backlog has magically appeared on the team’s door step. Anyone that has participated in any form of project, whether related to information technology, operations or physical engineering, knows that requirements don’t grow on trees. They need to be developed before a team can start to satisfy those requirements.  There are three primary ways to gather requirements based on how information is elicited. Listen to the rest on the Software Process and Measurement Cast! Call to action! What are the two books that have most influenced you career (business, technical or philosophical)?  Send the titles to .  What will we do with this list?  We have two ideas.  First, we will compile a list and publish it on the blog.  Second, we will use the list to drive “Re-read” Saturday. Re-read Saturday is an exciting new feature we will begin in November with a re-read of . More on this new feature next week. So feel free to choose you platform and send an email, leave a message on the blog, Facebook or just tweet the list (use hashtag #SPaMCAST)! Next SPaMCAST 314 features our interview with Janet Gregory and Lisa Crispin.  We discussed their new book . Agile testing is evolving at the same rate as Agile or maybe faster! Testing is still critical for delivering business value.  Buy and read the  this week before listening to the interview!   The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

SPaMCAST 312 features our interview with Alex Neginsky.  Alex is a real leader and practitioner in a real company that has really applied Agile.  Alex shares pragmatic advice about to how practice Agile in the real world!   Alex’s bio: Alex Neginsky began his career in the software industry at the age of 16 as a Software Engineer for Ultimate Software. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University in 2006. By age 27, Alex obtained his first software patent.  Alex has been at MTech, a division of Newmarket International, since 2011. As the Director of Development he brings 15 years of experience, technical skills, and management capabilities. Alex manages highly skilled software professionals across several teams stationed all over Eastern Europe and the United States. He serves as the liaison between MTech Development and the industry. During his tenure with the MTech division of Newmarket, Alex has been pivotal in the adoption of the complete software development lifecycle and has spearheaded the adoption of leading Agile Development Methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban. This has yielded higher velocity and better efficiencies throughout the organization.  Contact Alex at  If you have the right stuff and are interested in a joining Newmarket then check out: Call to action! What are the two books that have most influenced you career (business, technical or philosophical)?  Send the titles to .  What will we do with this list?  We have two ideas.  First, we will compile a list and publish it on the blog.  Second, we will use the list to drive “Re-read” Saturday. Re-read Saturday is an exciting new feature we will begin in November. More on this new feature next week. So feel free to choose you platform and send an email, leave a message on the blog, Facebook or just tweet the list (use hashtag #SPaMCAST)! Next SPaMCAST 313 features our essay on developing an initial backlog.  Developing an initial backlog is an important step to get projects going and moving in the right direction. If a project does not start well, it is hard for it to end well.  We will provide techniques to help you begin well! Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  October 24, 2014 11:30 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished? Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

SPaMCAST 311 features our essay on backlog grooming. Backlog grooming is an important technique that can be used in any Agile or Lean methodology. At one point , however most practitioners now find the practice useful. The simplest definition of backlog grooming is the preparation of the user stories or requirements to ensure they are ready to be worked on. The act of grooming and preparation can cover a wide range of specific activities and can be performed at any time. We also have a new installment of Kim Pries’s Software Sensei column.  What is the relationship between the containment of diseases and bad software?  Kim makes the case that the process for dealing both are related. The Essay begins Backlog grooming is an important technique that can be used in any Agile or Lean methodology. At one point , however most practitioners now find the practice useful. The simplest definition of backlog grooming is the preparation of the  or  to ensure they are ready to be worked on. The act of grooming and preparation can cover a wide range of specific activities and can be performed at any time (although some times are better than others). Listen to the rest now! Next SPaMCAST 312 features our interview with Alex Neginsky.  Alex is a real practitioner in a real company that has really applied Agile.  Almost everyone finds their own path with Agile.  Alex has not only found his path but has gotten it right and is willing to share! Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished? Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast 310 features our interview with Mike Burrows. This is Mike’s second visit to the Software Process and Measurement Cast.  In this visit we discussed his new book,  ().  The book lays out why Kanban is a management method built on a set of values rather than just a set of techniques. Mike explains why Kanban leads to better outcomes for projects, managers, organizations and customers! Mike is the UK Director and Principal Consultant at David J Anderson and Associates. In a career spanning the aerospace, banking, energy and government sectors, Mike has been a global development manager, IT director and software developer. He speaks regularly at Lean/Kanban-related events in several countries and his book  ()was published in September. Mike’s email is Twitter:  and Blog is UK Kanban conference: Kanban conference series:  Next SPaMCAST 311 features our essay on backlog grooming. Backlog grooming is an important technique that can be used in any Agile or Lean methodology. At one point , however most practitioners now find the practice useful. The simplest definition of backlog grooming is the preparation of the user stories or requirements to ensure they are ready to be worked on. The act of grooming and preparation can cover a wide range of specific activities and can be performed at any time). In the next podcast we get into the nuts and bolts of making your backlog better! Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished?   Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 309 features our essay on Agile user acceptance testing.  (AUAT) confirms that the output of a project meets the business’ needs and requirements. The concept of acceptance testing early and often is almost inarguable, whether you are using Agile or any other method. AUAT generates early customer feedback, which increases customer satisfaction and reduces the potential for delivering defects. While implementing an effective and efficient AUAT isn’t always easy it most certainly is possible! The essay begins: The classic definition of a user acceptance test (UAT) is a process that confirms that the output of a project meets the business needs and requirements. UAT in an Agile project generally is more rigorous and timely than the classic end of project UAT found in waterfall projects. In waterfall projects, the UAT is usually the last step in the development process.  The problem with that classic scenario is that significant defects are found late in the process, or worse, the business discovers that what is being delivered isn’t exactly what they wanted. Agile projects provide a number of opportunities to interject UAT activities throughout the process, starting with the development of user stories, to the sprint reviews and demos, and finally the UAT sprints at the end of a release.  Each level provides a platform for active learning and feedback from the business. Listen to the rest of the essay! Next SPaMCAST 310 features our interview with Michael Burrows. This is Michael’s second visit to the Software Process and Measurement Cast.  In this visit we discussed his new book, .  The book lays out why Kanban is a management method built on a set of values rather than just a set of techniques. The argument is made that Kanban leads to better outcomes for projects, managers, organizations and customers!  and read the book before the interview! Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished? Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 308 features our interview with Michael West discussing his book Return on Process.  Process improvement can have a dramatic impact to an organization's bottom line BUT ONLY with careful thought and planning.  Michael West explains that process improvements with real impact are rarely an accident. Michael’s bio . . . Michael West is a life-long practitioner and student of process improvement. He is the co-founder of Natural Systems Process Improvement (Natural SPI), a consultancy specializing in designing, developing, and deploying process systems that enable measurable business performance improvement gains. Mr. West’s process insights and innovations have helped many organizations in various sectors of the economy achieve real process and performance improvement. His process consulting clients include ATK, Autodesk, AVL, BAE, BB&T, Crane Aerospace, DCS, Deloitte, Sandia National Labs, Reliability First, and the US Navy. Mr. West frequently presents and speaks at industry conferences, and is the author of  (CRC Press, 2004) and  (CRC Press, 2013). Contact Michael at:Web: http://www.naturalspi.com/Email: michael@naturalspi.comTwitter: @ItsTheProcess Did you like the interview?  Buy Michael's books Next SPaMCAST 309 features our essay on Agile user acceptance testing.  (AUAT) confirms that the output of a project meets the business’ needs and requirements. The concept of acceptance testing early and often is almost inarguable, whether you are using Agile or any other method. AUAT generates early customer feedback, which increases customer satisfaction and reduces the potential for delivering defects. The problem is that implementing an effective and efficient AUAT isn’t always easy.   Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished?   Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 307 features our essay on integration testing and Agile. Integration testing is defined as testing in which components (software and hardware) are combined to confirm that they interact according to expectations and requirements.  Good integration testing is critical to effective development whether you are using Agile techniques or not. Link and pictures noted in the essay:   We also have a new installment from the Software Sensei.  Kim Pries, the Software Sensei, discusses layered process audits and software inspections.  The techniques are a powerful approach to deliver high quality software. Next SPaMCAST 308 features our interview with Michael West author of Return On Process (ROP): Getting Real Performance Results from Process Improvement and more! We had a great discussion about why some process improvements impact the organization’s bottom line and some don’t. Impacting the bottom line is not accident.   Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  September 18, 2014 11:30 EDT Retrospectives are a tool that the team uses to identify what they can do better. The basic process – making people feel safe and then generating ideas and solutions so that the team can decide on what they think will make the most significant improvement – puts the team in charge of how they work. When teams are responsible for their own work, they will be more committed to delivering what they promise.  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished?   Upcoming: ITMPI Webinar! We Are All Biased!  September 16, 2014 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST How we think and form opinions affects our work whether we are project managers, sponsors or stakeholders. In this webinar, we will examine some of the most prevalent workplace biases such as anchor bias, agreement bias and outcome bias. Strategies and tools for avoiding these pitfalls will be provided. Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 306 features our interview with Luis Gonçalves.  We discussed getting rid of performance appraisals.  Luis makes the case that performance appraisals hurt people and companies.  Luis’s Bio . . . Luis Gonçalves is an Agile coach, author, speaker and blogger.Luis has been working in the software industry since 2003, as an Agile practitioner since 2007. He has experience in integrating sequential project phases like localization into an Agile framework and pioneering Agile adoption at different companies and in different contexts.Luis is the co-author of the book, Getting Value Out of Agile Retrospectives. He has a technical background and is Management 3.0 passionate. Mr Gonçalves likes to write and share ideas with the world and is a passionate blogger. Inspiration comes from his professional life and from the books he reads. Follow his blog at   Luis asks for SPaMCAST listeners to provide feedback on his new book, Get Rid of Performance Appraisals. His mailing list is    which provides the first part of his new book for free! Next Software Process and Measurement Cast number 307 features our essay on Agile integration testing.  Integration testing is defined as testing in which components (software and hardware) are combined to confirm that they interact according to expectations and requirements.  Good integration testing is critical to effective Agile development.  Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  September 18, 2014 11:30 EDT Retrospectives are a tool that the team uses to identify what they can do better. The basic process – making people feel safe and then generating ideas and solutions so that the team can decide on what they think will make the most significant improvement – puts the team in charge of how they work. When teams are responsible for their own work, they will be more committed to delivering what they promise.  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished?   Upcoming: ITMPI Webinar! We Are All Biased!  September 16, 2014 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST How we think and form opinions affects our work whether we are project managers, sponsors or stakeholders. In this webinar, we will examine some of the most prevalent workplace biases such as anchor bias, agreement bias and outcome bias. Strategies and tools for avoiding these pitfalls will be provided. Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 305 features our essay on Estimation.  Estimation is a hot bed of controversy. We begin by synchronizing on what we think the word means.  Then, once we have a common vocabulary we can commence with the fisticuffs. In SPaMCAST 305 we will not shy away from a hard discussion. The essay begins: Software project estimation is a conflation of three related but different concepts. The three concepts are budgeting, estimation and planning.  These are typical in a normal commercial organization, however these concepts might be called different things depending your business model.  For example, organizations that sell software services typically develop sales bids instead of budgets.  Once the budget is developed the evolution from budget to estimate and then plan follows a unique path as the project team learns about the project. Next Software Process and Measurement Cast number 306 features our interview with Luis Gonçalves.  We discussed getting rid of performance appraisals.  Luis makes the case that performance appraisals hurt people and companies. Upcoming Events DCG Webinars:  September 18, 2014 11:30 EDT Retrospectives are a tool that the team uses to identify what they can do better. The basic process – making people feel safe and then generating ideas and solutions so that the team can decide on what they think will make the most significant improvement – puts the team in charge of how they work. When teams are responsible for their own work, they will be more committed to delivering what they promise.  October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished?   Upcoming: ITMPI Webinar! We Are All Biased!  September 16, 2014 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST How we think and form opinions affects our work whether we are project managers, sponsors or stakeholders. In this webinar, we will examine some of the most prevalent workplace biases such as anchor bias, agreement bias and outcome bias. Strategies and tools for avoiding these pitfalls will be provided. Upcoming Conferences: I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 304 features our interview with Jamie Lynn Cooke. Jamie Lynn Cooke is the author of The Power of the Agile Business Analyst. We discussed the definition of an Agile business analyst and what they actually do in Agile projects.  Jamie provides a clear and succinct explanation of the role and huge value of Agile business analysts bring to projects! Jamie Lynn’s Bio:Jamie Lynn Cooke has 24 years of experience as a senior business analyst and solutions consultant, working with more than 130 public and private sector organizations throughout Australia, Canada, and the United States. She is the author of , which details how Agile business analysts can increase the relevance, quality and overall business value of Agile projects; , a book written specifically to explain Agile in non-technical business terms to managers and executives outside of the IT industry; , which gives IT executives the tools and strategies needed for bottom-line business decisions on using Agile methodologies; and , which gives readers strategies for aligning Agile work within the reporting, budgeting, staffing, and governance constraints of their organization. Also checkout,  ! Jamie has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Psychology (Human Factors Engineering) from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts; and a Graduate Certificate in e-Business/Business Informatics from the University of Canberra in Australia. You can find her website .   Next Software Process and Measurement Cast number 305 will feature our essay on estimation (here is our essay on  within estimation). Estimation is a hot bed of controversy. But perhaps first we should synchronize on just what we think the word means.  Once we have a common vocabulary we can commence with the fisticuffs. In SPaMCAST 305 we will not shy away from a hard discussion. Upcoming Events I will be presenting at the  in San Diego, CA on October 1.  I have a great discount code!!!! Contact me if you are interested. I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA. More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events! The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor. As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (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 some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI. 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 . Available in English and Chinese.