Software Process and Measurement Cast

SPaMCAST 472 features our interview with Mike Harris. We discussed his new book, The Business Value of Software. We discussed the definition of value and why value matters! In reality, software development, enhancements, and maintenance that don't deliver value are a waste. Therefore it behooves all of us to understand value, how to recognize it, and how to measure it! Mike's Bio Michael Harris br...

SPaMCAST 471 features our essay on the top 20 transformation killers. Each transformation killer is a big deal, but if you combine two or more you are in big trouble. That said, forewarned is forearmed . . .hopefully? In the second spot, this week is Jeremy Berriault and the QA Corner! Jeremy and I discussed involving testers in requirements. The ultimate in shifting "left." In the third spot, Gen...

SPaMCAST 470 features the return of Ben Linders. Ben and I discussed his new book, What Drives Quality. Quality is something we all want and is required by our customers and clients BUT determining how we get quality is not easy! We explored the definition of quality, who owns quality and what teams can do to deliver quality. If you are into excellence in value delivery, this interview will inform...

SPaMCAST 469 features our essay on consensus decision-making. Consensus decision-making is one of the most prevalent decision-making tools in organizations today. But, consensus decision-making has its plusses and minuses. We came to a consensus and decided to discuss the topic. Our second column this week is from Kim Pries (The Software Sensei). Kim revisits the topic of cognitive biases. Biases...

SPaMCAST 468 features the return of Johanna Rothman. Johanna and I discussed her new book, Create Your Successful Agile Project: Collaborate, Measure, Estimate, Deliver. (Buy your copy today and support Johanna and the SPaMCAST). Johanna provides incredibly useful and pragmatic insights for delivering value to your customers and stakeholders! Johanna Rothman, known as the "Pragmatic Manager," prov...

SPaMCAST 467 features our essay on value. Value is the most talked about and least understood concept in Agile. In terms of software development, enhancements, and maintenance, the value of a piece of work is the worth of the outcome that results from doing the work. In the second position is Jeremy Berriault and the QA Corner! Jeremy discusses testing in difficult situations. Are there difference...

SPaMCAST 466 features our interview with Ross Smith. Ross and I discussed legacy application modernization. Legacy application modernization delivers quantitative and qualitative value to organizations. Modernization can breathe new life into old applications. We also discussed why organizations sometimes avoid biting the modernization bullet! Ross Smith is Chief Architect at PITSS America. He has...

SPaMCAST 465 features our essay on re-booting teams. Not every team issue can be solved with a standard pallet of techniques. However, nearly every consultant (internal or external) will have set of tools that they have ready just in case. We discuss techniques and impacts! We will also have a column from Kim Pries (The Software Sensei). Kim discusses why software structure can be a blessing and a...

Agile Online Summit 30 Oct – 3 Nov 2017 The Agile Online Summit gives you a chance to see great agile speakers from your device. At the summit, I talk about the power of storytelling with Tom Henricksen! General Admission You will get access to all the content for the week of the conference. FREE VIP This ticket will give you access to the content after the conference concludes. You will also get...

SPaMCAST 464 features our interview with Beth Leonard. Beth and I talked about innovative thinking, risk-based reviews, the CMMI and making the software development process more effective and efficient. Beth is an incredible person for her innovative thinking in the software development world...and more! Ms. Beth Leonard is an executive with over 20 years of IT/IS management, quality assurance, an...

SPaMCAST 463 features our essay on using big picture stories to generate resonance. Early in the history of Agile, most descriptions of Agile included the need to define a central metaphor to help guide the work. Somewhere over time, the idea of a central metaphor has disappeared as Agile thought leaders have focused on more tactical facets of Agile methods and frameworks. It's time to reconsider...

SPaMCAST 462 features our interview with Jon M Quigley We discussed his new book Project Management for Automotive Engineers. Jon co-authored the book with Roopa Shenoy. The book and the ideas in the book are relevant to all types of projects whether they use Agile or not! A fun and informative conversation! Jon's Bio: Jon M. Quigley PMP CTFL is a principal and founding member of Value Transformat...

SPaMCAST 461 features our essay - Agile -- Leadership Required. For an Agile transformation to be effective and then stay effective there are four cornerstones of Agile leadership constancy that must be addressed with passion and constancy of purpose. Our second column this week is from Kim Pries (The Software Sensei). Kim fills in the middle of the cast with a discussion of the conceptual skills...

SPaMCAST 460 features our interview with Peter Varhol. Peter and I discussed machine learning and AI, and how it will impact software development and testing. We also discussed how anyone can stay current and enhance their careers. Peter's Bio Peter Varhol is a well-known writer and speaker on software and technology topics, having authored dozens of articles and spoken at a number of industry con...

SPaMCAST 459 features our essay on resistance. Organizational change is a common, almost ubiquitous, feature in today's business world. Change is known under many monikers ranging from transformation to creative destruction. The variety of names is a portent to the one constant in any organizational change: resistance. Some resistance is inevitable, even if everyone is involved in the plan. Organi...

SPaMCAST 458 features our interview with Billie Schuttpelz. We discussed why many organizations need help learning to use agile and lean. We delved into the role of the coach and facilitator in helping an organization change and shape the message of change. If you are involved in organizational transformations this is a must-listen interview. Billie's short bio: Billie is a 'force of nature' break...

SPaMCAST 457 features our essay on cognitive biases and their impact on decision making. If you doubt the impact of biases on decision making, read chapter five of The Science of Successful Organizational Change (current Re-read Saturday Book) and listen to this week's podcast! Our second column this week is from Jon M Quigley (The Alpha and Omega of Product Development), Jon continues his theme o...

SPaMCAST 456 features our interview with Jeff Dalton. Jeff makes his fifth appearance as an interviewee. Jeff discussed leadership and whether leadership is more or less important in the Agile, dynamic world we find ourselves inhabiting. Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword, a Process Innovation firm, and Chief Evangelist at AgileCxO.org, an Agile Leadership Research and Development center that...

SPaMCAST 455 features our interview with Michael King. We talked about Michael's approach to Agile, process improvement and the CMMI at Halfaker and Associates. Michael provides a glimpse into making a change in the real world. Mr. King delivers more than just theory. One word describes the interview - insightful. Michael's Bio: Michael King serves as Chief Technology Officer at Halfaker and Assoc...

SPaMCAST 454 features three columns! The first is our essay and checklists on iteration planning. Aristotle stated that "well begun is half done." While we might argue the half part, planning is required to be well begun and that is important on any measurement scale. Jeremy Berriault delivers a new entry in the QA Corner. In this installment of the QA Corner, we discuss the function of a QA Lead....

SPaMCAST 453 features our interview with James Shore. We began with a discussion of the Agile Fluency Model, including the concepts and ideas that led to the model and then got into topics such as whether Agile can ever be method agnostic. James's bio: James Shore teaches, writes, and consults on Agile development processes. He is a recipient of the Agile Alliance's Gordon Pask Award for Contribut...

SPaMCAST 452 features our essay on personal process improvement. We are responsible for our own path in life. Stepping back and reviewing where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow is a form of a retrospective. Just like any other retrospective, the goal is to change the trajectory of the path you are on. Kim Pries, the Software Sensei, discusses ethics in software. Ethics guide (or they...

SPaMCAST 451 features our interview with Askhat Urazbaev. Askhat brings a very pragmatic view of Agile in all of its many forms to the Software Process and Measurement Cast. This interview covers a lot of ground, ranging from defining Agile to the impact of corporate and national cultures on what works and what doesn't work. We dove directly into the interview with very little preamble! Askhat's b...

SPaMCAST 450 features our essay on Product Roadmaps. Roadmaps link an organization's strategy to action. Product roadmaps are directional and answer the question of where we are going and why. As with any powerful tool, roadmaps giveth when used wisely and taketh away when used less wisely. We also visit with Gene Hughson. Gene brings his great Form Follows Function blog to the podcast. We discuss...

SPaMCAST 449 features our interview with Jasveer Singh. We discussed his new book, Functional Software Size Measurement Methodology with Effort Estimation and Performance Indication. Jasveer proposes a new sizing methodology for estimation and other measurement processes. Jasveer Singh holds a Master of Technology degree in Computer Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and ha...