SPaMCAST 385 - Agile Portfolio Metrics, Why Diversity, Fast Is Not Enough

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 385 features our essay on Agile portfolio metrics. Agile portfolio metrics are integral to prioritization and validating the flow of work. But, Agile portfolio metrics are only useful if they provide value. Metrics and measures add value if they reduce uncertainty so that we can make better decisions. In the second segment, Kim Pries, the Software Sensei asks the question, “Why should we care about diversity?” No spoilers here, but the answer might have something to do with value! Anchoring the cast, Gene Hughson discusses Architecture and OODA Loops: Fast Is Not Enough from his blog Form Follows Function! For those of you that don’t remember, OODA stands for observe, orient, decide, and act. Re-Read Saturday NewsThis week we are back with Chapter 12 of How to Measure Anything, Finding the Value of “Intangibles in Business” Third Edition by Douglas W. Hubbard on the Software Process and Measurement Blog. In Chapter 12 we discussed The Ultimate Measurement Instrument: Human Judges. Humans can be a valuable measurement tool; however, that value requires using techniques to correct for the certain errors that are common in unaided human judgment. Upcoming EventsI am facilitating the CMMI Capability Challenge. This new competition showcases thought leaders who are building organizational capability and improving performance. Listeners will be asked to vote on the winning idea which will be presented at the CMMI Institute’s Capability Counts 2016 conference. The next CMMI Capability Challenge session will be held on March 15th at 1 PM EST. http://cmmiinstitute.com/conferences#thecapabilitychallenge I will be at the QAI Quest 2016 in Chicago beginning April 18th through April 22nd. I will be teaching a full day class on Agile Estimation on April 18 and presenting Budgeting, Estimating, Planning and #NoEstimates: They ALL Make Sense for Agile Testing! on Wednesday, April 20th. Register now! Next SPaMCAST The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature our interview with Jason Little. Jason and I discussed his exploration of the use of storytelling in change management. Stories are a powerful tool to develop and hone a big picture view of organizational change. 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, for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book here. Available in English Chinese.