Software Process and Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 134! SPaMCAST 134 features my interview with Cynthia Kurtz on narratives and stories and how stories can be a VERY powereful tool for gathering requirements and for knowledge management.  I am already planning to listen to this one again because of the huge amount of value Cynthia provided! Cynthia Kurtz is an independent researcher, writer and software designer who consults in the field of organizational and community narrative for decision support, conflict resolution and collective sense–making. Her free online book,(http://www.workingwithstories.org) Working with Stories helps people use narrative techniques to benefit their own communities and organizations. She is building open source software called (http://www.rakontu.org) Rakontu to help small groups share and work with stories for collective sense–making, decision support and conflict resolution. Her blog is at (http://www.storycoloredglasses.com) storycoloredglasses.com.  Cynthia’s original background is in ethology and evolutionary biology. Cynthia published information about the podcast and added addtional context to the questions I asked at  Shameless Ad for my book!  co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received great unsolicited reviews and the book has been picked up as a text book for university level work.  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! In the SPaMCAST 135 we will dip back into the Metrics Minute with an article on Value At Risk or my essay on the messages we send.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 133! SPaMCAST 133 features an entry in the Metrics Minute.  We tackle burn-up charts.  The burn-up chart  can be thought of as the mirror image of the burn-down chart but is generally extended over multiple sprints to show the strategy being followed as the project builds toward release and product delivery. 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! SPaMCAST 134 features my interview with Cynthia Kurtz on stories and how stories can be a VERY powereful tool for gathering requirements and for knowledge management.  I am already planning to listen to this one again because of the huge amount of value Cynthia provided!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 132! SPaMCAST 132 features my interview with Bill Bentley discussing the book he co-authored "Lean Six Sigma Secrets for the CIO".  We covered the gamut of process improvement with emphasis on six sigma, lean and the combination of the two techniques. Bill Bentley is the owner and president of ,  a training and consulting business.  His Atlanta area company was started in 2002 and provides quantitative process improvement training to the public via open enrollment courses, and to corporations via in-house courses.  The company also provides consulting services.  Primary topics include Six Sigma, Lean and applied quantitative methods.  Bill has an MSEE from Rensselaer, substantial further education and training, and has nearly completed his MBA in Finance and Management. Bill is a pro at solving tough real-world business and technical problems, first as a control systems engineer with Procter & Gamble out of school, later in increasingly responsible management roles with P&G, Frito-Lay, Nabisco and Rockwell.  His employers have been manufacturers of food, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, electronic instrumentation and software and his corporate assignments included engineering, operations management, sales and business turnarounds.  Bill’s executive positions have included Director of Technology of an instrument manufacturing company, General Manager of an engineering company and President and CEO of a software company.  Starting from nothing, Bill has built his company into a respectable business with a national reputation with thousand of graduates and hundreds of corporations served.  Value-Train is an authorized State training provider in Georgia, Massachusetts and Texas.  Bill is a sailor and also enjoys riding the Georgia Mountains on his motorcycle. Contact Information:Email:  Web:    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:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Next!SPaMCAST 133 will dip back into the Metrics Minute with an article on burnup charts.  We will be burning up the pobsphere on this one!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 131! SPaMCAST 131 features the second part of my essay "Agile is from Venus, PMOs from Mars". Part One was a controversial, Part Two will not lower the bar.  If you are struggling to understand how position a PMOs in your agile organization you need to listen. 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:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Next!SPaMCAST 132 features my interview with Bill Bentley discussing the book he co-authored "Lean Six Sigma Secrets for the CIO".  We covered the gamut of process improvement with emphasis on six sigma, lean and the combination of the two techniques.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 130! SPaMCAST 130 features my interview with with John K. Hollmann discussing cost engineering and risk from a cost engineering perspective.  If you are involved with risk and cost engineering you will want to bookmark this interview and listen again and again. John has over 30 years of design and cost engineering experience, including all practice areas of cost engineering and project control. John is Owner of Validation Estimating LLC () which he founded in 2005 to help owner companies improve their Cost Engineering capabilities.  Before that, John managed the downstream cost and schedule metrics and research programs of Independent Project Analysis, Inc (a project system benchmarking firm). John is a Fellow of AACE International and recipient of AACE’s highest honor--the Award of Merit. John is currently an AACE Technical Director and is co-chair of a task force to develop a Decision and Risk Management Professional (DRMP) certification program for AACE. In addition to publishing and presenting many papers and articles, John was editor and lead author of AACE International’s technical foundation text titled the Total Cost Management (TCM) Framework; An Integrated Approach to Portfolio, Program and Project Management. He was also a contributing author to the Engineer's Cost Handbook published by Marcel Dekker and AACE’s Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering, 5th Edition. Contact Information:Web:  Email:  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." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Next!SPaMCAST 131 I will continue "Agile is from Venus and PMOs are from Mars". This essay has sparked a bit of controversy . . . and part two may add to it.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 129! In this week’s Software Process and Measurement Cast I feature my short essay, Checklist for Process Improvement Success.  I have also included an essay orginally included in SPaMCAST 8  titled, ‘Involvement: Whose Industry Is It Anyway?'.  Short for get involved. We will pick up the conclusion of Agile is from Venus and PMOs from Mars will pick up in SPaMAST 131 Many Software Process and Measurement Cast Listeners have purchased co-authored by Murali Chemuturi and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing.  Thank you!  If you are one of those many listeners, please consider posting a review on Amazon or one of the many online book review sites.  Reviews help sell books.  So if you agreee with Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc that "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge" why not let the world know with a review? Finally do want me to sign a bookplate for your copy of the book?  Email me and include a picture of you with your copy of the book and I will send you a personalized, signed bookplate! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Check out my blog and show notes for upcoming conferences and webinars! Next!In SPaMCAST 130 I will feature my interview with John Hollman on risk and risk management.  This is a critical interview for all project managers.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 128! SPaMCAST 128 features my interview with with Dave Garmus, Janet Russac and Royce Edwards discussing thier book, .  If you are interested in functional metrics this interview will be right down your alley. This was David Garmus’ fourth book. Two of his previous books were co-authored with his business partner, David Herron, on functional measurement. Mr. Garmus is an acknowledged authority in the sizing, measurement and estimation of software application development and maintenance. As a co-founder of the David Consulting Group, he  supports software development organizations in achieving software excellence with a metric-centered approach. Mr. Garmus is a Past President of IFPUG and member of the IFPUG Counting Practices Committee. He has a BS from the University of California at Los Angeles and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. He has spoken at numerous conferences and written many articles and books on various measurement related topics. Mr. Garmus is a Certified Function Point Specialist, having fulfilled all IFPUG requirements for this title under all releases of the IFPUG Counting Practices Manual, and a Certified Software Measurement Specialist. Ms. Russac has over 30 years of experience as a programmer, analyst and measurement specialist in software application development and maintenance. In 2008, she formed her own company, Software Measurement Expertise, Inc. (SME). Prior to that, she worked for The David Consulting Group, Software Productivity Research, IBM Global Services and Prudential Insurance as a lead function point analyst, software measurement specialist, estimator and instructor in these areas. She has implemented software development measurement programs and used various software development metrics, including function points, to recommend business decisions and identify best practices and process improvements in client organizations. In addition, Ms. Russac is a published author and presents workshops at companies, professional organizations and conferences, as well as being a featured speaker at conferences.Ms. Russac is on the Board of Directors for the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG). Royce Edwards is a senior consultant for Software Composition Technologies, where he applies function point analysis and software estimation techniques to resolve business challenges in software development organizations. He is a software management professional with over 25 years of experience in development, reverse engineering, systems administration, architecture, and software analysis. Mr. Edwards brings an accomplished and unique skill set to software measurement and estimation. He has advised a diverse list of clients in the telecommunications, manufacturing, scientific, government, and information technology areas, and he has mastered the adaptation of solutions to meet the needs of varied organizational environments. Mr. Edwards frequently teaches workshops related specifically to Web application measurement. He has presented research papers at conferences and has written articles and white papers for various publications. Mr. Edwards is a Certified Function Point Specialist and a member of the IFPUG Counting Practices Committee. Contact Information:David Garmus:  Janet Russac:  Royce Edwards: 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." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Next!SPaMCAST 129 I will continue  "Agile is from Venus and PMOs are from Mars". This essay has sparked a bit of controversy . . . and part two may add to it.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 127! In this week’s Software Process and Measurement Cast I feature the first part of my essay titled, Agile is from Venus and PMOs from Mars.  I also have news from MAIN brought to us by Manfred Bundschuh. The essay begins . . . Over the past few years I have spent time with many organizations that been struggling with the role of PMOs in their organization as they transitioned to agile. There are a couple of important words in the last sentence.  The first critical word is struggling, struggling is important because many PMO's have become more administrative and control oriented rather than being coaches and leaders.  Agile focuses on self organization rather than control functions.  Also I suggest that combining the roles of administration and control with coaching and leading creates conflict because the goals of these roles are different.  It gets even more difficult and stressful when project managers and administrators are asked to change roles that they have invested substantial time and effort into developing capabilities. Changing a leopards spots is difficult especially when the organization has developed a taste for the control data created by a PMO. All is not lost however because I have found that a path to support both sets of goals and needs can be found if everyone can be flexible and no one is building empires. The second critical word in the first statement is the term agile itself.  It is critical because its meaning has become a bit nebulous; everyone seems to have appended the word agile to a product, process or service.  It is as if adding the word agile will magically convert an non-agile idea into something new.  Remember that  just calling graphite a diamond in the raw won't change pencil lead into something far more alluring. Many Software Process and Measurement Cast Listeners have purchased co-authored by Murali Chemuturi and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing.  Thank you!  If you are one of those many listeners, please consider posting a review on Amazon or one of the many online book review sites.  Reviews help sell books.  So if you agreee with Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc that "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge" why not let the world know with a review? Finally do want me to sign a bookplate for your copy of the book?  Email me and include a picture of you with your copy of the book and I will send you a personalized, signed bookplate! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Check out my blog and show notes for upcoming conferences and webinars! Next!In SPaMCAST 128 I will feature my interview with Dave Garmus, Janet Russac and Royce Edwards discussing thier book, Certified Function Point Specialist Examination Guide.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 126 SPaMCAST 126 features my interview with Phillip A. LaPlante discussing his book in specific and requirements in general.  A real powerhouse discussion of requirements. Dr. Phil Laplante is Professor of Software Engineering at Penn State. His interests are in software and systems engineering, project management, and software testing and security. Prior to his academic career Dr. Laplante spent several years as a software engineer and project manager working on avionics, computer aided design and software test systems. He has authored or edited 27 books and has published more than 200 scholarly papers. Recently, he was named by the National Council of Engineering Examiners to Chair the committee that will develop the examination, which will be used to license Professional Engineers in the practice of Software Engineering. Laplante received his B.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. in Systems Planning & Management, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science, respectively, from Stevens Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Colorado. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and SPIE and a member of numerous other professional societies, program committees, and boards. He is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania and a Certified Software Development Professional. Email: Website: Remember: This podcast will post at the beginning of the SEPG NA in Portland, Oregon, March 21-24, 2011   I will be attending the conference and manning the David Consulting Booth.   Look me up! I will be speaking at the QAI Quest 2011 in Boston April 6 - 8 If you are attending and would like to get together just drop me a note, text, tweet or phone call! 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." Have you bought your copy? Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Next!SPaMCAST 127 I will  begin reading my paper on PMOs in an Agile Organization titled "Agile is from Venus and PMOs are from Mars". I promise . . . unless less another topic demands that I address it!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 125! I recorded this Cast before the earthquake in Japan but did want to let all of the SPaMCAST friends and all of the people of Japan that my thoughts are with you.  In this week’s Software Process and Measurement Cast I feature a short entry I wrote on coaching, a comment on the blog entry on coaching and two calls to action.  The paper on Agile is from Venus and PMOs from Mars will begin in SPaMCAST 127.  The essay begins . . . Coaching is a core agile technique, however the impact of the differing coaching technique has not been thoroughly understood which has meant that practices were driven based on individual style.  That is until now.    Why is coaching important?  Coaching is important because it can lead it to smoothly functioning organizations; higher productivity and profits. Call to Action One:Last year I interviewed Bertrand Meyer about SEMAT (see at ). During the interview he indicated that one the reasons he was participating was to find a means to bridge the gap between practitioners and academia. The idea that there was a gap has been weighing on my mind since, to a great or lesser extent.  So why do you think there is a gap?  Is the gap (if it exists) driven by distrust or is that practitioners do not value input from academics?  Your thoughts and ideas will help me frame a future essay. Call to Action Two and Book Plug . . .Many Software Process and Measurement Cast Listeners have purchased co-authored by Murali Chemuturi and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing.  Thank you!  If you are one of those many listeners, please consider posting a review on Amazon or one of the many online book review sites.  Reviews help sell books.  So if you agreee with Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc that "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge" why not let the world know with a review? Finally do want me to sign a bookplate for your copy of the book?  Email me and include a picture of you with your copy of the book and I will send you a personalized, signed bookplate! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Check out my blog and show notes for upcoming conferences and webinars! Next!In SPaMCAST 126 I will feature my interview with Phillip A. LaPlante on his book Requirements Engineering for Software and Systems.  This was a powerhouse interview on requirements; you will not want to miss it.