

Software Process and Measurement Cast
Thomas M. Cagley Jr
SPaMCAST explores the varied world of software process improvement and measurement. The cast covers topics that deal with the challenges found in information technology organizations as they grow and evolve.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 27, 2012 • 36min
SPaMCAST 188 - Siraj Sirajuddin, Agile, Organizational Change
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 188! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 188 features my interview with Siraj Sirajuddin. We discussed agile, organizational change, listening, philosophy and a ton more! Siraj has provided excellent change management coaching and leadership to large and medium sized organizations like Extended Stay America, Ft. Huachuca AZ, DKB Household Brands, Railinc, Media Temple, EDF, Springfield TN Middle School, Ultimate Software, LabCorp, Elemica, Inc., ShoreTel, Winn Dixie Stores, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, NIH, CMS and Compaq Computers. He has 20 years of experience with people and process improvement consulting and coaching. He has deep and varied domain (Social Media, SAAS, IT, Software, Healthcare, Retail, Transport, Education, Finance) and functional knowledge and process improvement experience using Lean, Kanban, Agile, CMMI, Six Sigma, PMBOK, SOX, BASEL and HIPAA. He is also an expert / student of Systems Thinking / Learning Organizations, People Dynamics, Transactional Analysis, MBTI, FIRO(B), Element B, Leadership & Motivation and Team Building. He invented several unique techniques (Influence Maps, Supplication, Exit & Re-entry, Language of Elegance, The Interview, Clean Slate, Cereal Box, Intensive Collaboration & Discovery) that are now used for managing strategic plans and scaling operations / projects at various client locations. Siraj completed his MBA in 1992 from BIM and he continues to learn every second! He loves poetry, travel, music, books and being with people. Most of all he loves his two daughters! He brings tremendous energy and passion to every engagement Contact Information: Web: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=370174&locale=en_US&trk=tyahTwitter: http://twitter.com/siraju 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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 189 will feature Part Two of "Who Owns Estimating In An Agile Project." THe essay dives more deeply into the role of the PMO and the prorject team in Agile Estimation. I hope we will all still be friends when I am done.

May 20, 2012 • 18min
SPaMCAST 187 - Who Owns Estimation In Agile Projects, Part 1
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 187! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 187 features my essay on the roles of the PMO and agile team in Agile Estimation. I hope we will all still be friends when I am done. The essay begins: Why is the matter of who owns estimation in an agile project (or any type of project) a discussion that generates passion? In simplest terms, he who owns the estimate, owns the project agenda. The effect of having the wrong person or group “own” estimate can impact a wide range of behaviors and commitment. As we all know, budgets, estimates and plans are often construed as commitments, etched in stone, which may or may not make sense to those who actually have to design, code or test. The many forms of estimation are an integral part of the project landscape getting ownership right will have an impact on motivation, productivity and quality. 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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 188 will feature my interview with Siraj Sirajuddin. We discussed agile, organizational change, listening, philosophy and a ton more.

May 13, 2012 • 41min
SPaMCAST 186 - Jo Ann Sweeney, Social Media and Project Communications
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 185! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 186 features my interview with Jo Ann Sweeney. We discussed using social media as a tool to support communications inside and outside projects. It was great to have Jo Ann back on the Cast. I recommend going back to SPaMCAST 138 to listen to our earlier interview after listening to this interview! Jo 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, government departments and charities. Jo Ann shares her knowledge and experience online through the CommsAbilities blog [www.commsabilities.com/blog.asp], Worth Working Summiit [www.worthworkingsummit.com] and the Communicating Projects System [www.sweeneycomms.com/communicating-projects] She has more than 25 years experience and is a trained journalist, chartered marketer and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, fellow of the Institute of Internal Communications and member of the Institute of Directors. A special Offer from Jo Ann to SPaMCAST listeners! Jo Ann is offering her new Communicating Projects System at 50% off. Follow the link below: http://www.sweeneycomms.com/communicating-projects/specialoffer Also we talked about RSA Animation which can be found at http://www.thersa.org/events/video/animate/rsa-animate-drive More Contact Information: Web: http://www.commsabilities.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/commsabilities 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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 187 will feature an essay on the role of the PMO in Agile Estimation. I hope we will all still be friends when I am done.

May 6, 2012 • 21min
SPaMCAST 185 - Narcissism of Small Differences, Listener Comments
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 185! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 184 my essay titled the "Narcissism of Small Differences." This essay is based on comments made by Corey Haines in the SPaMCAST 182. The essay begins: Every interview I do for the Software Process and Measurement Cast teaches me something about our industry and the people that populate it. Occasionally a topic is brought up that sets me off on a new path of exploration and that changes how I interact with the world around me. The interview with Corey Haines in the SPaMCAST 182 was one such interview, during the cast, Corey referred to the concept of the "narcissism of small differences" as a barrier to delivering value. His point was dead-on but after I did some research I discovered that like many other concepts this one is a bit more complicated. 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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 186 will feature my interview Jo Ann Sweeney. We discussed using social media as a tool to support communications inside and outside projects. It was great to have Jo Ann back on the Cast.

Apr 29, 2012 • 34min
SPaMCAST 184 - Steve Boronski, Prince2, Project Management
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 184! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 184 features my interview with Steve Boronski. We discussed PRINCE2® (PRojects IN Controlled Environments), which is a widely used project management method that navigates you through the essentials for running a project.PRINCE2 is a de facto standard developed and used extensively by the UK government and is widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. Steve's Bio: Steve is a Project and Programme Management professional with many years practical experience developed in both the public and private sectors. He specialises in IT enabled Business Change assisting many organisations to use a structured approach to their business changes, from Portfolio to Programme and Project delivery mechanisms. Steve now spends most of his time travelling the world, training and consulting, helping people to learn and apply PRINCE2®, MSP® and P3O® all Best Practice Guidance freely available from the UK Cabinet Office for worldwide application. Contact Information:Email: steve.boronski@ilxgroup.comWeb: http://www.ilxgroup.comLinked In: http://ow.ly/azUqh Prince 2 Official Site: http://www.prince-officialsite.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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 185 will feature my essay titled the "Narcissism of Small Differences." This essay is based on comments made by Corey Haines in the SPaMCAST 182.

Apr 22, 2012 • 17min
SPaMCAST 183 - Agile Release Planning Is A Necessity!
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 183! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 183 features my essay titled, Agile Release Planning Is A Necessity The essay begins . . . Release planning has even said to be not needed and a waste of time by those who feel that release planning is a retreat from agile. Alternately, it has been called both a black art and a communication vehicle by those who recognize it as a need. Simply put release planning is contentious. Why the consternation over something so simple? Part of the angst is a relic of the past and part is a flaw in basic human nature. The first part is a memory of over planning we all have seen in some project and program methods and the second flaw is one of basic human nature in that when something is said it tends to be remembered (a delivery date for example). 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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 183 features my interview with Steve Boronski. We discussed Prince 2 which is the standard for project management in the UK and Europe!

Apr 15, 2012 • 58min
SPaMCAST 182 - Corey Haines, Software Journeyman, Code Retreats and More
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 182! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 182 features my interview with Corey Haines. We discussed the evolution of a software journeyman, coding, code retreats, a bit of philosophy and more. Corey's Bio: After 12 years of coding for money, Corey Haines said enough and went on a year-long, journeyman pair-programming tour. Traveling the world, pair-programming for room and board, he spent his time teaching, learning and just living as a knowledge-cross-pollinating, little, software craftsmanship bee. For the past three years, Corey has focused his attention on helping developers improve their fundamental software design skills through the use of focused-practice events, such as coderetreat. He currently specializes in training teams on fundamental development technical practices, as well as building projects and products when not on the road. Contact Data:http://coreyhaines.com/Code Retreat: http://coderetreat.org/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/coreyhainesEmail: coreyhaines@gmail.com A message from SPaMCAST's sponsor . . . The SPaMCAST 182 is sponsored by LeanKit Kanban. LeanKit Kanban is a software tool for kanban that is as simple to use as physical kanban. If you put it up on a touchscreen in your team area, it practically IS physical kanban. But your boards are available from anywhere, and updated in real-time. A slew of colors, icons, and avatars take your visual signaling to the next level. And the system tracks the metrics for you, providing analytics on bottlenecks, lead time, work distribution, process efficiency, and variability - for a single board or a whole company. It's kanban for the Lean enterprise. I am currently working on a book with three friends. We are using LeanKit Kanban as a mechanism to keep the project on track and organized. LeanKit allows us to share the Kanban board across the miles with ease! Visit LeanKit Kanban! (and say hello for the SPaMCAST!) Interested in becoming a radio star? If you are interested in reviewing tools or books? Drop me a note at spamcastinfo@gmail.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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV NextThe Software Process and Measurement Cast 183 will feature my essay on release plans. Release plans are a critical tool in large agile projects.

Apr 8, 2012 • 13min
SPaMCAST 181 - Manufacturing, Engineering or Craft?
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 181! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 181 features my essay titled, Manufacturing, Engineering or Craft? The essay begins . . . A few weeks ago I sat next to a gentlemen on a flight to Albuquerque. After a couple of glasses of wine we found we were in related fields. As the conversation progressed he confided in me that he did not understand why software projects were never on time, on budget or exactly what he wanted since software development was engineering and his consultants had called development a factory. I paid for the next round of wine as I tried to dissuade my new friend that building, enhancing or maintaining software was not really like assembling a car. 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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 182 features my interview with Corey Haines, Software Journeyman. Simply put WOW!

Apr 1, 2012 • 54min
SPaMCAST 180 - Johanna Rothman, Transparency and Trust
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 180! The SPaMCAST 180 features my interview with Johanna Rothman. We discussed transparency and trust. Transparency and trust are generally discussed as core tenants of agile HOWEVER I would suggest they are core tenants for any type of team or manager. We also have a message from Peter Taylor, The Lazy Project Manager, on his new project . . . he needs our help. You might be wondering where the SPaMCAST 179 went. Lets just say SPaMCAST 179 is now offically the the lost episode and we'll just see when it appears. Johanna Rothman works with managers and leaders to identify problems and seize opportunities around how they manage their product development. She focuses on removing management and technical staff impediments. Johanna was the Agile 2009 conference chair. She is the current AgileJournal.com technical editor. Johanna is the author of these books: - Manage Your Project Portfolio: Increase Your Capacity and Finish More Projects - The 2008 Jolt Productivity award-winning Manage It! Your Guide to Modern, Pragmatic Project Management - Behind Closed Doors: Secrets of Great Management - Hiring the Best Knowledge Workers, Techies & Nerds: The Secrets and Science of Hiring Technical People She is working on books about using agile practices to find a new job, and agile program management. And, she’s working on an electronic-only revision of the hiring book, due “soon.” She writes columns for Stickyminds.com and on “extreme project management” for Gantthead.com, and writes two blogs on her web site, jrothman.com, as well as a blog on createadaptablelife.com Recommendation! Buy Johanna's books and support the Software Process and Measurement Cast, just follow the link! Contact Data:|Email: jr@jrothman.comWeb: www.jrothman.comBlogs: http://www.jrothman.com/blog/mpd/ http://www.jrothman.com/blog/htp/ http://www.createadaptablelife.com/ Support the Software Process and Measurement Cast by buying any of the books discussed on the SPaMCAST's through our Amazon Associate Account. I have a page on my blog with links to all of the books that have been discussed on the podcast. The SPaMCAST gets a tiny commission on the sale that will be used to defray hosting costs and upgrading equipment. SPaMCAST Bookshelf Interested in becoming a radio star?If you are interested in reviewing tools or books? Drop me a note at spamcastinfo@gmail.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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next: The Software Process and Measurement Cast 181 will feature my essay currently titled, IT: No Factory Here. The essay wrestles why the metaphor of a factory is used to describe the development and maintenance of software.

Mar 24, 2012 • 36min
Updated SPaMCAST 178 - Al Pittampalli, Modern Meeting Standard
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 178! The SPaMCAST 178 features my interview with Al Pittampalli. We discussed his book, Read This Before Our Next Meeting, the modern meeting standard and how most meetings are in need of a makeover or avoiding. Al Pittampalli is the author of Read%20This%20Before%20Our%20Next%20Meeting">Read This Before Our Next Meeting, the most popular Kindle book in the world during the week of its release. It was recently selected by renowned business book expert, Todd Sattersten as the #4 best business book of 2011 by and by the IBM Competitive Edge Book Club as their Q1 2012 read. Al has been featured in various major media and popular publications such as Forbes, Huffington Post, CBS, and American Express Open Forum. He helps Fortune 500 companies provoke change in the status quo. You can learn more about Al at: ModernMeetingStandard.com. Want to buy Al's book? Read%20This%20Before%20Our%20Next%20Meeting">Hadcover Read%20This%20Before%20Our%20Next%20Meeting">Kindle Contact Data:Email: al.pittampalli@gmail.comTwitter: @PittampaliWeb: http://modernmeetingstandard.com/about-al/ Support the Software Process and Measurement Cast by buying any of the books discussed on the SPaMCAST's through our Amazon Associate Account. I have a page on my blog with links to all of the books that have been discussed on the podcast. The SPaMCAST gets a tiny commission on the sale that will be used to defray hosting costs and upgrading equipment. Interested in becoming a radio star? If you are interested in reviewing tools or books? Drop me a note at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Shameless Ad for my book! Mastering%20Software%20Project%20Management:%20Best%20Practices,%20Tools%20and%20Techniques">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 your team." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next: The Software Process and Measurement Cast 179 will feature my essay currently titled, IT: No Factory Here. The essay wrestles why the metaphor of a factory is used to describe the development and maintenance of software.


