Software Process and Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 84! The interview in the SPaMCAST 84 is with Ricardo Valerdi.  We discussed software cost estimation and behavioral economics.  This was a great interview that anyone working in the IT field will find immediately useful and thought provoking in the long term. Dr. Valerdi's current research interests include systems engineering cost estimation, system level metrics and models, dynamics in large-scale government system acquisition, and system-of-systems ontologies. His contributions to the field include the Constructive Systems Engineering Cost Model (COSYSMO), a model for estimating systems engineering effort, which has been calibrated with data provided by BAE Systems, Boeing, General Dynamics, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and SAIC. He is also the co-founder of the Systems Engineering Advancement Research Initiative (SEAri), which was launched in 2007. He received his B.S./B.A. in electrical engineering from the University of San Diego in 1999, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in systems architecting and engineering from USC in 2002 and 2005. Between 1999 and 2002, he worked as a systems engineer at Motorola where he was responsible for the design and implementation of mission critical public safety communications systems for clients such as the Los Angeles Police Department, Orange County Sheriff, and San Diego Police Department. He has been affiliated with The Aerospace Corporation's Economic and Market Analysis Center as a member of the technical staff since 2003 and he supports cost analysis of programs for the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. Dr. Valerdi is the author of more than 45 technical publications for IEEE, AIAA, and INCOSE conferences. His work has appeared in several journals, including Journal of Systems Engineering, Journal of Systems and Software, and CrossTalk - The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. He has also served as a reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management and IEEE Software. He served as program chair of the 20th Forum on COCOMO and Software Cost Modeling and is involved with INCOSE in the Measurement Working Group, the Systems Engineering and Architecting Doctoral Student Network, and since 2007 has served on the Board of Directors as associate director for international growth. He is a visiting associate at the Center for Systems & Software Engineering at USC. Contact information:Email:      Website:   Remember to check out ! The essay is titled Outsourcing:  Metrics and Governance.  The essay  discusses why it is important to get the link between metrics and governance right in outsourcing contracts.  It goes on to stress why it is important to engage process and metrics experts when negotiating the linkages.  One of the new features you will notice in SPaMCAST 84 is an ad.  I do not take adding ads lightly  but have decide to occasionally run ads to help defray the cost of hosting, bandwidth and equipment.  When I do run ads I will only run those I feel comfortable with.  Let me know your thoughts on the matter. Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111 Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)   ISMA Cinco in São Paulo September 13-15.  I will be one of the featured speakers.  More on the topic the near future.  The website to get more information is  I hope to see you there! Next! The interview in the SPaMCAST 85 is with Cory Foy.  We talked agile and agile coaching.  Whether you are using SCRUM, xP or any software development methodology I think you will have a lot to think about after listening to Cory.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 83! The interview in the SPaMCAST 83 is with Gary Gack.  We discussed his new book "".  The book and the discussion centered on how organizations can improve their effectiveness.  Lots of great ideas for orgnaizations at all levels of maturity. Gary Gack, is the founder and President of Process-Fusion.net, a provider of e-Learning, Assessments, Strategy advice, Training, and Coaching relating to integration and deployment of software and IT industry best practices. Mr. Gack holds an MBA from the Wharton School and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. In addition he is an ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE), a Certified Scrum Master, a Visiting Scientist with the Software Engineering Institute (2006) where he co-authored the "Measuring for Performance Driven Improvement 1" course for which he is an authorized instructor, and he holds the ITIL Foundation Certification. He has more than 40 years of diverse experience in the software and IT industry, including more than 20 years focused on process improvement. He is the author of numerous articles and a book entitled "Managing the “Black Hole”: The Executive’s Guide to Software Project Risk. Contact information:Email:      ggack@Process-Fusion.net Website:  The essay examines the the software measure / metric:  Size.  Size really is important and the type of size measure you choose will expand or constrain what you can do with the data.  We will define physical, functional and relative measures of size and where they are useful.  Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:  spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111 Website: Twitter: Facebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV The SPaMCAST's production schedule is on the Software Process and Measurement Facebook page.  Yell at me if you have ideas for future interviews or essays.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome. Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)   Quest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.html Next! The interview in the SPaMCAST 84 is with Ricardo Valardi.  We discussed software cost estimation and behavioural economics.  THis was a great interview that anyone working in the IT field will find immeadeatly usefull and thought provoking in the long term.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 82! The interview in the SPaMCAST 82 is with Cheryl Jones.  We discussed Practical Software and Systems Measurement.  Can you say measurement or even more loudly MEASUREMENT!  PSM is an evolving force in the IT measurement field.  Cheryl helps us understand why measurement is important for projects and management. Cheryl Jones is a lead software engineer in the Quality Engineering & System Assurance Sciences Group at RDECOM-ARDEC at Picatinny, New Jersey.  She is responsible for measurement and analysis, risk management, estimation, and decision analysis technology development and application across a wide base of DoD, Government, and Commercial programs and organizations.  Her responsibilities encompass technology development, integrated process definition, and practical technology application to support a variety of Performance and Decision Analysis requirements across numerous technical, acquisition, and management domains at multiple organizational levels. Ms. Jones is the technical lead and project manager of Practical Software and Systems Measurement. This project is an international technical initiative responsible for the development and transition of effective measurement practices into the software and systems development communities.  Ms Jones is a primary author of Practical Software Measurement: Objective Information for Decision Makers.  She is responsible for directing the transition of PSM and related measurement guidance into practice across a wide community of users through DoD, government, and industry.  She has been instrumental in linking corporate measurement processes to validated improvements in project and organizational performance. Ms. Jones is a technical expert to the US Technical Advisory Group to International Standards Organization SC7, System and Software Engineering.  Ms. Jones is the convener of Special Working Group 5, Standards Management.  Ms. Jones is co-editor of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148, Requirements Engineering. She previously was co-editor for ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2008, System Life Cycle Processes, editor of the revision to ISO/IEC 15939:2007, Software Measurement, and ISO/IEC/IEEE 16085:2006, Risk Management.  Ms. Jones is also co-editor of ISO/IEC 15288, System Life Cycle Processes and ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148, Requirements Engineering. Ms. Jones holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science/Mathematics from the University of Georgia and an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Rhode Island. Contact information: Email:  cheryl.jones5@us.army.mil Website:     http://www.psmsc.com The essay examines optimism.  When is optimism a good thing and when is it a bad thing? Perhaps the right answer is optimistic realism. Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:  spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111 Website: www.spamcast.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/tcagley Facebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV The SPaMCAST's production schedule is on the Software Process and Measurement Facebook page.  Yell at me if you have ideas for future interviews or essays.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and ideas are welcome. Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)   Quest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.html Next! The interview in the SPaMCAST 83 is with Gary Gack.  We discussed his new book, “Managing the Black Hole”. The book explores customer engagement, metrics, planning and monitoring projects.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 81! The interview in the SPaMCAST 81 is with Paul Byrnes.  We discussed  the upcoming release of the CMMI, Agile and the CMMI and process improvement in general.  The interview is loaded with data for anyone that uses the CMMI or is involved with process improvement in general.  Paul is a returning guest!  If you have not listened to Paul's first interview go back to SPaMCAST 63  (http://bit.ly/bnODdY). As an Air Force officer Paul was responsible for managing advanced software technology transition projects at Hanscom AFB, MA. These were typically joint government/industry funded projects aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of DoD software development processes and services. At the SEI, Paul was the SEI CMM® Based Appraisal (CBA) Project Leader. Responsible for developing all published versions of SCE and the initial CBA IPI method (V0.3). A principal developer of the CMM® Appraisal Framework (CAF). Developed, delivered, and managed teams delivering CMM based appraisal methods and training services. At ISD, as a founder, principal, Managing Director, and CTO, Paul was the principal architect of ISD’s Comprehensive Appraisal Method (CAM); a draft version was an input method to SCAMPISM V1.1. He was responsible for managing, leading development, and also delivering all standard ISD products for their appraisal, consulting, and training service lines. Paul is a currently a member of the SCAMPI LA BoK Advisory Board and a member of its High Maturity Working Group. He is currently participating on the Enterprise SPICE Architecture Team and the SCAMPI V1.3 Upgrade Team. Paul was included in the 1995 Who’s Who in the East, the 1998 Who’s Who in Media and Communications, the 1999 Who’s Who in America, and the 2000 Who’s Who in the World. Contact information: Email:  pdbyrnes@isd-inc.com Website:    http://isd-inc.com The essay examines the difference perspective between velcocity and productivity.  They are similar concepts that if addressed carefully can both be collected and used without additional effort.  It is like having your cake and eating it too! I want your help!  I would like each SPaMCAST listener to invite one new listener to listen to the cast.  Walk over to their PC, show them how to set up ITunes or your favorite pod catcher and then subscribe them to the SPaMCAST.  When your done call the listener line (206) 888-6111 tell me the story (I will share the stories on a future cast).  Better yet I will select the best (or maybe a few best) stories and invite you to participate on a future cast! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:  spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111 Website: www.spamcast.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/tcagley Facebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV The SPaMCAST's production schedule is on the Software Process and Measurement Facebook page.  Yell at me if you have ideas for future interveiws or essays.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome. Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)   March 22 - 25, SEPG Conference in Savanah.  I will be attending and will have lots of time to connect to SPaMCASTers in Savanah.  Let me know if you are attending and lets connect! Quest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.html Next! The interview in the SPaMCAST 82 is with Cheryl Jones.  We discussed Practical Software and Systems Measurement (PSM).  We got down and dirty on the topic of software measurment.  Cherly is a real guru in the measurement field.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 80!   The interview in the SPaMCAST 80 is with Dr. David F Rico.  We discussed  "Business Value of Agile Software Methods" which he coauthored.  The interview provided a great discussion on the value of agile based on quantitative information gathered for the book. I want your help!  I would like each SPaMCAST listener to invite one new listener to listen to the cast.  Walk over to there PC, show them how to set up ITunes or your favorite pod catcher and then subscribe them to the SPaMCAST.  When your done call the listener line (206) 888-6111 tell me the story (I will share the stories on a future cast).  Better yet I will select the best (or maybe a few best) stories and invite you to participate on a future cast! Dr. Dr. Rico's Biography: Dr. David F. Rico has been a technical leader in support of NASA, DARPA, DISA, SPAWAR, USAF, AFMC, NAVAIR, CECOM, and MICOM for over 25 years. He has led, managed, or participated in over 20 organization change initiatives using Agile Methods, Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9001, CMMI, SW-CMM, Enterprise Architecture, Baldrige, and DoD 5000. He specializes in information technology (IT) investment analysis, IT project management, and IT-enabled change. He has been an international keynote speaker, presented at leading industry conferences, published numerous articles, and written or contributed to six textbooks. He’s a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Dr. Rico teaches doctoral and master’s courses at three Washington, DC-area universities. Dr. Rico has been in the field of information systems since 1983. Dr. Rico's contact information: Email:  dave1@davidfrico.com Website: http://www.davidfrico.com/ The essay while bit on the short side due to the length of the interview tackles the age old question "is there a difference between productivity and efficiency and if there is do I really care .". I think there is and yes I think you should care.   Contact information for the SPaMCAST:Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111 Website: www.spamcast.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/tcagley Facebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV The SPaMCAST's production schedule is on the Software Process and Measurement Facebook page.  Yell at me if you have ideas for future interveiws or essays.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome. Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date) March 22 - 25, SEPG Conference in Savanah.  I will be attending and will have lots of time to connect to SPaMCASTers in Savanah.  Let me know if you are attending and lets connect! Quest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a ulti-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.html Next! The interview in the SPaMCAST 81 is with Paul Byrnes.  We discussed the upcoming release of the CMMI.  Important information for everyone in the process improvement field.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 79! In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 79 I interviewed Scott Stribrny.  We discussed his recent Cutter Consortium Executive Update titled “We’re Gonna Be in the Hudson: Risk Management Expertise to Live by in an Economic Downturn."  The conversation and the article focused on risk and risk management.  Risk gets talked about in project management circles and can stay a bit theorectical  Scott makes the topic tangible in our interview. Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Email:  Voicemail:  +1-206-888-6111 Website: Twitter: Facebook:  Scott's Bio: J. Scott Stribrny is the Cofounder, President, and Managing Director of Group Atlantic, Inc., a consulting firm that has advised private, commercial, and governmental organizations on successful strategy development and operations improvement since 1992. He is also a Senior Consultant and writer with Cutter Consortium's Enterprise Risk Management  & Governance practice. He is currently advising senior management of Fortune 1000 firms on principles and techniques for effective risk management and leadership. He is a frequent speaker to professional organizations and a guest lecturer to MBA programs at DePaul, Loyola and National-Louis Universities. His courses on developing high-performance teams are well known for their innovative workshops and practical applicability.   Mr. Stribrny has more than 30 years experience in systems specification and building. He has designed and built real-time mission critical software and has led successful, multimillion-dollar development programs.  His accumulated management experience ranges from growth companies to Fortune 50 conglomerates in many industries, including aerospace, telecommunications, financial, insurance, retail, information services, and manufacturing. Mr. Stribrny is a co-founder and former leader of the Chicago Software Process Improvement Network, and was an organizer of the 1998 Software Engineering Process Group conference. He can be reached at . Scott's contact information:  Website: Cutter: The SPaMCAST's production schedule is on the Software Process and Measurement Facebook page.  Yell at me if you have ideas for future interveiws or essays.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome. The essay SPaMCAST 79 is the completion of my essay about the central threads or core truths that can be extracted from the myriad of manifestos currently being published.  Remember, "I am not a cog and neither are you!" Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date) SEPG Conference in Savanah. March 22 - 25, I will be attending and will have lots of time to connect to SPaMCASTers in Savanah.  Let me know if you are attending and lets connect! Quest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is Next! The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Dr. David F Rico.  We discussed agile methods and the quantitative data that shows that it really works.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 78!In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 78 I interviewed Dr. Luigi Buglione.  We focused our discussion on how play can improve learning in a technical environment but also touched on measurement and change.  This was an intense interview that included many take aways that can be applied in your organization now!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/16fBWVDr. Buglione's Bio:Dr. Luigi Buglione is Associate Professor at the École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) – Université du Québec, Canada and is currently working as Process Improvement Specialist at Engineering.IT (formerly Atos Origin Italy and SchlumbergerSema) in Rome, Italy.  Previously, he worked as a Software Process Engineer at the European Software Institute (ESI) in Bilbao, Spain. Dr. Buglione is a regular speaker at international Conferences on Software Measurement, Process Improvement and Quality. He is also the Vice-President of the Italian Software Metrics Association (GUFPI-ISMA), where created the Software Measurement Committee (SMC), member of the ISBSG Technical Advisory Group, of the ISO/IEC WG10 Study Group and other technical national bodies on such issues.He developed and was part of ESPRIT and of Basque Government projects on metric programs, EFQM models, the Balanced IT Scorecard and QFD for software. He is also a reviewer of the SWEBOK project, co-authoring the proposal for a new Knowledge Area on Software Measurement for the upcoming 2010 edition.He received a Ph.D in Management Information Systems from LUISS Guido Carli University (Rome, Italy) and a degree cum laude in Economics from the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Italy.  He is a Certified Software Measurement Specialist (IFPUG CSMS). Dr.  Buglione's reseach can be found at www.semq.eu He also suggests visiting GUFPI-ISMA. The Italian full website is @ www.gufpi-isma.org , the new English section of the site @ http://www.gufpi-isma.org/eng/Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  luigi.buglione@eng.itPhone:  +39-06-8307.4472 Website: www.semq.euThe SPaMCAST's production schedule should be on the Software Process and Measurement Facebook page before this cast goes up!  Yell at me if it is not there.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome.The essay SPaMCAST 78 is about the central threads or core truths that can be extracted from the myriad of manifestos currently being published.  Either they are all copying from each other or there might be something to learn from them.Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)Are Your Project Stakeholders Satisfied February 11, 2010 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time Measuring customer satisfaction is more than just asking if your clients got what they wanted. Customer satisfaction is a messy mix of expectations, experiences, and perceptions - with maybe a hint of functionality. In this webinar, Tom Cagley will outline one method for measuring this mixture and for identifying what really matters in customer satisfaction.Learning Objectives: •    How to define customer satisfaction •    Strategies for identifying what really matters •    A practical framework for measuring customer satisfaction •    Not all attributes of customer satisfaction matter to the same level for all stakeholders Register at http://solutions.compaid.com/forms/WebinarA20100211?ProcessType=PreRegQuest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.htmlNext!The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Scott Stribrny.  We discussed leadership, risk, requirements, business analysis and innovation.  We had a great interview and covered a lot of ground including a discussion of one his recent articles, "We're Gonna Be in the Hudson."

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 77 marking the SPaMCAST's Three Year Anniversary!The Software Process and Measurement Cast 77 is a special show.  Even though we still have an interview and essay, we are going to turn things a bit on their head by flipping rolls and adding quite a few congratulatory comments.  The outpouring of well wishes was fantastic and in some cases pretty darn funny.In the SPaMCAST 77 the tables have been turned and Pat Ferdinandi interviewed me.  We talk about how the Software Process and Measurement Cast began, lessons learned along the way and where the Cast is going in the future.  Frankly being on the other side of the table was a bit intimidating but a lot of fun never the less!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/16fBWVI am going to include SPaMCAST's production shedule on Facebook.  Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome.We have a guest essay in SPaMCAST 77.   In this cast Richard Durnall shares his excellent essay "We’re not Japanese and we don’t build cars."   The essay explores the management paradigm of lean, its roots and why the path taken by western management practices will be difficult to change. This essay was originally published at DZone (http://agile.dzone.com).  I hope this is only the first of Richard's essays that grace the "bits" of the Software Process and Measurement Cast.Richard's Blog:  http://www.richarddurnall.com/Email:  rdurnall@thoughtworks.com The DZone Article:  http://agile.dzone.com/articles/lean-development-benefitsTwitter: www.twitter.com/rdurnallConferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)Are Your Project Stakeholders Satisfied February 11, 2010 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time Measuring customer satisfaction is more than just asking if your clients got what they wanted. Customer satisfaction is a messy mix of expectations, experiences, and perceptions - with maybe a hint of functionality. In this webinar, Tom Cagley will outline one method for measuring this mixture and for identifying what really matters in customer satisfaction.Learning Objectives: •    How to define customer satisfaction •    Strategies for identifying what really matters •    A practical framework for measuring customer satisfaction •    Not all attributes of customer satisfaction matter to the same level for all stakeholders Register at http://solutions.compaid.com/forms/WebinarA20100211?ProcessType=PreRegQuest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.htmlNext!The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Luigi Buglione.  We discussed how we reinvigorate training by including games, the process of change and software measurement.  I have already put Luigi’s ideas into action and that says a ton!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 76!In the SPaMCAST 76 I interviewed Tom and Mary Poppendieck talking about lean and their new book "Leading Lean Software Development: Results Are not the Point".  Our interview covered the book, lean and leadership to just a few topics.Mary Poppendieck has been in the Information Technology industry for over thirty years. She has managed software development, supply chain management, manufacturing operations, and new product development. She spearheaded the implementation of a Just-in-Time system in a 3M video tape manufacturing plant and led new product development teams, commercializing products ranging from digital controllers to 3M Light Fiber™.  Mary is a popular writer and speaker, and coauthor of the book Lean Software Development, which was awarded the Software Development Productivity Award in 2004. A sequel, Implementing Lean Software Development, was published in 2006.  A third book, Leading Lean Software Development, was published in late 2009.Tom Poppendieck has over 25 years of experience in computing including eight years of work with object technology. His modeling and mentoring skills are rooted in his experience as a physics professor. His early work was in IT infrastructure, product development, and manufacturing support, and evolved to consulting project assignments in healthcare, logistics, mortgage banking, and travel services.Tom holds a PhD in Physics and has taught physics for ten years. He is coauthor of the book Lean Software Development, which was awarded the Software Development Productivity Award in 2004. A sequel, Implementing Lean Software Development, was published in 2006. A third book, Leading Lean Software Development, was published in late 2009.Website: http://www.poppendieck.com/Leading Lean Software Development:  Results Are not the Point http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321620704/poppendieckco-20Contact Mary:Phone:  952-934-7998Email:  mary@poppendieck.com  Contact Tom:Phone:  612-804-7217Email:  tom@poppendieck.com  The essay in SPaMCAST 76 is titled "Walls".  In the essay, "Walls" I explore the impact of living in an echo chamber when it comes to the ideas and concpets you use to drive change.Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)Are Your Project Stakeholders Satisfied February 11, 2010 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time Measuring customer satisfaction is more than just asking if your clients got what they wanted. Customer satisfaction is a messy mix of expectations, experiences, and perceptions - with maybe a hint of functionality. In this webinar, Tom Cagley will outline one method for measuring this mixture and for identifying what really matters in customer satisfaction.Learning Objectives: •    How to define customer satisfaction •    Strategies for identifying what really matters •    A practical framework for measuring customer satisfaction •    Not all attributes of customer satisfaction matter to the same level for all stakeholders Register at http://solutions.compaid.com/forms/WebinarA20100211?ProcessType=PreRegQuest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is http://www.qaiquest.org/dallas/index.htmlNext!The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with . . . Me.  Pat Ferdinandi turns the tables to explore the origins of the SPaMCAST and plans for the future.  I had fun being interviewed and hope you will enjoy the disucssion.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 75!In the SPaMCAST 75 I interviewed Bonnie Brown.  We discussed the updated IFPUG Function Point Counting Practice Manual (release 4.3) that will be released this January. While the manual includes few rule the manual it does include a new section on conversions, more definitions and is generally a cleaner therefore more usable format.    Bonnie provided great insight into the contents and construction of the manual.Ms. Brown works for HP (Hewlett Packard) and is the Function Point Coordinator for HP’s U.S. Public Sector account. Ms. Brown has over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry with a strong emphasis in requirements development, analysis and design of new applications leveraging standard processes. Ms. Brown has participated in numerous software development and enhancement projects, performing definition, analysis and design phase activities. She also has ten years of experience in Function Point Analysis, Metrics collection and analysis, and Software Process Improvement. In her current assignment, she coordinates function point activities for the U.S. Public Sector account and performs function point analysis for projects and applications within that area. Ms. Brown has been a member of the IFPUG Counting Practices Committee since 2000. She previously served as the committee secretary and is now serving as committee vice-chair. She coordinated (along with David Garmus) the development and publication of CPM 4.3. The IFPUG website is The essay in SPaMCAST 75 is an exploration of the term "best practice".  Shakespeare wrote: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet."  Unfortunately words can have power beyond thier original intent therefore reduce the value of the orginal concept.Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)ITMPI Webinar:  Are Your Project Stakeholders Satisfied February 11, 2010 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time Measuring customer satisfaction is more than just asking if your clients got what they wanted. Customer satisfaction is a messy mix of expectations, experiences, and perceptions - with maybe a hint of functionality. In this webinar, Tom Cagley will outline one method for measuring this mixture and for identifying what really matters in customer satisfaction.Learning Objectives: •    How to define customer satisfaction •    Strategies for identifying what really matters •    A practical framework for measuring customer satisfaction •    Not all attributes of customer satisfaction matter to the same level for all stakeholders Register at Quest Conference in Dallas April 21 - 23.  I will be talking on "Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World".  The conference includes two days of workshops.  The website to get more information is Next!The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Tom and Mary Poppendiech talking about lean and their new book "Leading Lean Software Development: Results Are not the Point".  This was a phenomenally insightful interview.