Software Process and Measurement Cast

Subscribe to the Software Process and Measurement Cast on ITunes The Software Process and Measurement Cast our essay on product owners. The role of the product owner is one of the hardest to implement when embracing Agile. However how the role of the product owner is implemented is often a clear determinant of success with Agile. The ideas in our essay can help you get it right. We will also have...

The Software Process and Measurement Cast features our interview with Charley Tichenor and Talmon Ben-Cnaan on the Software Non-Functional Assessment Process (SNAP). SNAP is a standard process for measuring non-functional size. Both Talmon and Charley are playing an instrumental role in developing and evolving the SNAP process and metric. SNAP helps developers and leaders to shine a light on non-f...

SPaMCAST 323 features our essay, “Five Factors Leading to Failing With Agile.” Not all Agile implementations succeed. There are five categories of behaviors that lead Agile implementations toward failure. Failure due to these behaviors is avoidable if an organization recognizes them before the damage is done AND has the will to solve them. Forewarned is forearmed! We also have a new Form Follows F...

SPaMCAST 322 features our interview with Clareice and Clyneice Chaney. Clareice and Clyneice provide insights and practical advice into how Agile and contracting work together. The focus of the interview is on contracting and acquisition of Agile testing, however the concepts we discussed can be applied to contracting for any type of service using Agile techniques. Clyneice Chaney brings over 30 y...

SPaMCAST 321 features our essay on the reasons for success with Agile. I asked friends and colleagues what they think are the top reasons an organization succeeds with Agile. The answers were not always what I expected. We review the top 11 factors leading to success with Agile. Listen and share your feedback. This episode also includes the next installment of Jo Ann Sweeney’s new column Explainin...

SPaMCAST 320 features our interview with Alfonso Bucero. We discussed his book, Today Is A Good Day. Attitude is an important tool for a project manager, team member or executive. In his book Alfonso provides a plan for honing your attitude. Alfonso Bucero, MSc, PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI Fellow, is the founder and Managing Partner of BUCERO PM Consulting. He managed IIL Spain for almost two years, and he...

SPaMCAST 319 includes three segments! The first segment is our essay, Why Are Requirements So Hard To Get Right? Much of the problems with requirements boil down to people, and while people are not the only factor driving the quality of requirements, they are a critical factor. Pay attention to how people are being deployed, provide support and instruction and make darn sure the right people are i...

SPaMCAST 318 features our interview with Rob Cross. Rob and I discussed his InfoQ article “How to Incorporate Data Analytics into Your Software Process.” Rob provides ideas on how the theory of big data can be incorporated in to big action that provides “ah-ha” moments for executives and developers alike. Rob Cross has been in the software development industry for over 15 years in various capaciti...

SPaMCAST 317 tackles a wide range of frequently asked questions, ranging from the possibility of an acceleration trap, the relevance of function points, whether teams have a peak loads and safe to fail experiments. Questions, answers and controversy! We will also have the next installment of Kim Pries’s column, The Software Sensei! This week Kim discusses robust software. The essay starts with “Ag...

SPaMCAST 316 features a return visit from Dr. David Rico. We talked about the cost of quality and Agile. Does Agile impact the cost of quality? The cost of quality is a measure of the time and cost that is required to ensure that what is delivered meets quality standards. Dr. Rico walks us through the evidence that not only does Agile improve customer satisfaction, but it also improves the cost of...

SPaMCAST 315 features our essay on Scrum Masters. Scrum Masters are the voice of the process at the team level. Scrum Masters are a critical member of every Agile team. The team’s need for a Scrum Master is not transitory because they evolve together as a team. In this edition of the Software Process and Measurement Cast we debut a new column. Gene Hughson brings the wisdom from his Form Follows F...

SPaMCAST 314 features our interview with Janet Gregory and Lisa Crispin. We discussed their new book More Agile Testing. Testing is core to success in all forms of development. Agile development and testing are no different. More Agile Testing builds on Gregory and Crispin’s first collaborative effort, the extremely successful Agile Testing to ensure everyone that uses an Agile frameworks delivers...

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...

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 Scien...

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 the need for backlog grooming was debated, 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....

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, Kanban from the Inside (Kindle). 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...

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 309 features our essay on Agile user acceptance testing. 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 cu...

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 practition...

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 picture...

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 h...

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 bu...

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 L...

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 303 features our essay titled “Topics in Estimation.” This essay is a collection of smaller essays that cover wide range of issues effecting estimation. Topics include estimation and customer satisfaction, risk and project estimates, estimation frameworks and size and estimation. Something to help and irritate everyone, we are talking about estimation –...

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 302 features our interview with Larry Maccherone of Rally Software. We talked about Agile and metrics. Measuring and challenging the folklore of Agile is a powerful tool for change! Measurement and Agile in the same sentence really is not an oxymoron. Larry’s Bio: Larry is an industry recognized Agile speaker and thought leader. He is Rally Software's D...

Software Process and Measurement Cast number 301 features our essay on technical debt. Technical debt is the work not done or the shortcuts taken when delivering a product. We all take shortcuts, but at what cost? The essay begins: Technical debt is a term coined by Ward Cunningham to represent the work not done or the shortcuts taken when delivering a product. In almost every circumstance there a...