Software Process and Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 191! The SPaMCAST 191 features part 2 of my essay "Who Owns Estimation In Agile Projects?" Haven't listened to Part 1? Click the link! Part two begins: What does ownership mean in terms of accountability and responsibility? When something belongs to you or is directly related to your actions, accountability and responsibility are directly inferable. Unfortunately, even though we are quick to assign ownership, responsibility and accountability we fail to ask, who really should own an estimate or whether they can be accountable for the estimate if they can’t do the work or control those that do. In corporate environments, ownership is generally not about ensuring the best flow of information but rather who can be pilloried when an estimate is missed. Sound like hyperbole? I recently heard a C level executive say “whose neck can I wring if we miss the date and the budget” when talking about a project, therefore a quick tour of the why estimates are created and who “should” own them in an agile environment is in order if for no other reason than health and human safety. 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." News! . . . We also just got word that the SPM book has been adopted for a class at the University of West Flroida for the Fall. 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 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 192 features my interview with Mitch Lacey. We discuss his new book, The Scrum Field Guide. It was a great interview filled with useful advice.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 190! The SPaMCAST 190 features my interview with Raja Bavani. We discussed distributed agile! Raja Bavani is Chief Architect of MindTree’s Product Engineering Services (PES) and IT Services (ITS) groups and plays the role of agile evangelist. He has more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry and has published papers at international conferences on topics related to Code Quality, Distributed Agile, Customer Value Management and Software Estimation. His IT experience started during the early 90s, when he was involved in porting a leading ERP product across various UNIX platforms. Later he moved onto products that involved data mining and master data management. During early 2000, he worked with some of the niche independent software vendors in the hospitality and finance domains. At MindTree, he has worked with some of the top vendors of virtualization platforms, business service management solutions and health care products. His areas of interests include Global Delivery Model, Agile Software Development, Requirements Engineering, Software Architecture, Software Reuse, Customer Value Management, Knowledge Management, and IT Outsourcing. He is a member of IEEE and IEEE Computer Society. He regularly interfaces with educational institutions to offer guest lectures and writes for technical conferences. Also, he writes for magazines such as Agile Record, Cutter IT Journal and SD Times. He blogs on Distributed Agile at http://www.mindtree.com/blogs/author/raja-bavani Raja's blog on Software Engineering and his articles and white papers are available at http://se-thoughtograph.blogspot.com He can be reached at raja_bavani@mindtree.com 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." News just in . . . We also just got word that the SPM book has been adopted for a class at the University of West Flroida for the Fall. 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 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 191 will return to my essay "Who Owns Agile Estimation."

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 189! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 189 features my essay on the use of experiments to support process improvement programs. The essay begins: Is the use of experiments part of your process improvement culture? When I’m at conferences or networking events, I get asked whether or not an idea or technique will work in a specific organization or situation. In many cases the answer I give is that in reality, it depends. I know that sounds like common consultant speak but what “it depends” means is that to really understand if something could work, you need to determine how to balance organizational culture, people, skills and the assets that can be deployed (not all tools are good). The only way to increase the knowledge needed to forecast success of any specific change is through experimentation in a real world environment. 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: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV NextIn the SPaMCAST 190 we have a return visit by Raja Bavani of Mindtree. We discussed distributed agile. Is was a great interview and a VERY pertinent topic for anyone practicing agile, methodologists or those who manage agile organizations.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 188! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 188 features my interview with Siraj Sirajuddin. We discussed agile, organizational change, listening, philosophy and a ton more! Siraj has provided excellent change management coaching and leadership to large and medium sized organizations like Extended Stay America, Ft. Huachuca AZ, DKB Household Brands, Railinc, Media Temple, EDF, Springfield TN Middle School, Ultimate Software, LabCorp, Elemica, Inc., ShoreTel, Winn Dixie Stores, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, NIH, CMS and Compaq Computers. He has 20 years of experience with people and process improvement consulting and coaching. He has deep and varied domain (Social Media, SAAS, IT, Software, Healthcare, Retail, Transport, Education, Finance) and functional knowledge and process improvement experience using Lean, Kanban, Agile, CMMI, Six Sigma, PMBOK, SOX, BASEL and HIPAA. He is also an expert / student of Systems Thinking / Learning Organizations, People Dynamics, Transactional Analysis, MBTI, FIRO(B), Element B, Leadership & Motivation and Team Building. He invented several unique techniques (Influence Maps, Supplication, Exit & Re-entry, Language of Elegance, The Interview, Clean Slate, Cereal Box, Intensive Collaboration & Discovery) that are now used for managing strategic plans and scaling operations / projects at various client locations. Siraj completed his MBA in 1992 from BIM and he continues to learn every second! He loves poetry, travel, music, books and being with people. Most of all he loves his two daughters! He brings tremendous energy and passion to every engagement Contact Information: Web: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=370174&locale=en_US&trk=tyahTwitter: http://twitter.com/siraju 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: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 189 will feature Part Two of "Who Owns Estimating In An Agile Project." THe essay dives more deeply into the role of the PMO and the prorject team in Agile Estimation. I hope we will all still be friends when I am done.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 187! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 187 features my essay on the roles of the PMO and agile team in Agile Estimation. I hope we will all still be friends when I am done. The essay begins: Why is the matter of who owns estimation in an agile project (or any type of project) a discussion that generates passion? In simplest terms, he who owns the estimate, owns the project agenda. The effect of having the wrong person or group “own” estimate can impact a wide range of behaviors and commitment. As we all know, budgets, estimates and plans are often construed as commitments, etched in stone, which may or may not make sense to those who actually have to design, code or test. The many forms of estimation are an integral part of the project landscape getting ownership right will have an impact on motivation, productivity and quality. 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: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 188 will feature my interview with Siraj Sirajuddin. We discussed agile, organizational change, listening, philosophy and a ton more.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 185! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 186 features my interview with Jo Ann Sweeney. We discussed using social media as a tool to support communications inside and outside projects. It was great to have Jo Ann back on the Cast. I recommend going back to SPaMCAST 138 to listen to our earlier interview after listening to this interview! Jo Ann Sweeney is a communications consultant who helps transformation teams win the support of their sponsors, senior executives and end users. She is known for her ability to help teams understand the change from their audiences’ perspectives, as well as developing communication activities that catch their interest. Jo Ann specialises in helping clients develop activities that take audiences on a journey from awareness, through understanding, to support, involvement and commitment. Teams are able to deliver sticky change. Programmes have spanned skills development, product launches, office relocations, redundancies and redeployment, business process re-engineering, political lobbying, technology rollouts and brand makeovers for corporates, government departments and charities. Jo Ann shares her knowledge and experience online through the CommsAbilities blog [www.commsabilities.com/blog.asp], Worth Working Summiit [www.worthworkingsummit.com] and the Communicating Projects System [www.sweeneycomms.com/communicating-projects] She has more than 25 years experience and is a trained journalist, chartered marketer and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, fellow of the Institute of Internal Communications and member of the Institute of Directors. A special Offer from Jo Ann to SPaMCAST listeners! Jo Ann is offering her new Communicating Projects System at 50% off. Follow the link below: http://www.sweeneycomms.com/communicating-projects/specialoffer Also we talked about RSA Animation which can be found at http://www.thersa.org/events/video/animate/rsa-animate-drive More Contact Information: Web: http://www.commsabilities.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/commsabilities 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 The Software Process and Measurement Cast 187 will feature an essay on the role of the PMO in Agile Estimation. I hope we will all still be friends when I am done.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 185! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 184 my essay titled the "Narcissism of Small Differences." This essay is based on comments made by Corey Haines in the SPaMCAST 182. The essay begins: Every interview I do for the Software Process and Measurement Cast teaches me something about our industry and the people that populate it. Occasionally a topic is brought up that sets me off on a new path of exploration and that changes how I interact with the world around me. The interview with Corey Haines in the SPaMCAST 182 was one such interview, during the cast, Corey referred to the concept of the "narcissism of small differences" as a barrier to delivering value. His point was dead-on but after I did some research I discovered that like many other concepts this one is a bit more complicated. 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: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 186 will feature my interview Jo Ann Sweeney. We discussed using social media as a tool to support communications inside and outside projects. It was great to have Jo Ann back on the Cast.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 184! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 184 features my interview with Steve Boronski. We discussed PRINCE2® (PRojects IN Controlled Environments), which is a widely used project management method that navigates you through the essentials for running a project.PRINCE2 is a de facto standard developed and used extensively by the UK government and is widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. Steve's Bio: Steve is a Project and Programme Management professional with many years practical experience developed in both the public and private sectors. He specialises in IT enabled Business Change assisting many organisations to use a structured approach to their business changes, from Portfolio to Programme and Project delivery mechanisms. Steve now spends most of his time travelling the world, training and consulting, helping people to learn and apply PRINCE2®, MSP® and P3O® all Best Practice Guidance freely available from the UK Cabinet Office for worldwide application. Contact Information:Email: steve.boronski@ilxgroup.comWeb: http://www.ilxgroup.comLinked In: http://ow.ly/azUqh Prince 2 Official Site: http://www.prince-officialsite.com/ 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: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 185 will feature my essay titled the "Narcissism of Small Differences." This essay is based on comments made by Corey Haines in the SPaMCAST 182.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 183! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 183 features my essay titled, Agile Release Planning Is A Necessity The essay begins . . . Release planning has even said to be not needed and a waste of time by those who feel that release planning is a retreat from agile. Alternately, it has been called both a black art and a communication vehicle by those who recognize it as a need. Simply put release planning is contentious. Why the consternation over something so simple? Part of the angst is a relic of the past and part is a flaw in basic human nature. The first part is a memory of over planning we all have seen in some project and program methods and the second flaw is one of basic human nature in that when something is said it tends to be remembered (a delivery date for example). 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: spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail: +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook: http://bit.ly/16fBWV Next The Software Process and Measurement Cast 183 features my interview with Steve Boronski. We discussed Prince 2 which is the standard for project management in the UK and Europe!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 182! The Software Process and Measurement Cast 182 features my interview with Corey Haines. We discussed the evolution of a software journeyman, coding, code retreats, a bit of philosophy and more. Corey's Bio: After 12 years of coding for money, Corey Haines said enough and went on a year-long, journeyman pair-programming tour. Traveling the world, pair-programming for room and board, he spent his time teaching, learning and just living as a knowledge-cross-pollinating, little, software craftsmanship bee. For the past three years, Corey has focused his attention on helping developers improve their fundamental software design skills through the use of focused-practice events, such as coderetreat. He currently specializes in training teams on fundamental development technical practices, as well as building projects and products when not on the road. Contact Data:http://coreyhaines.com/Code Retreat: http://coderetreat.org/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/coreyhainesEmail: coreyhaines@gmail.com A message from SPaMCAST's sponsor . . . The SPaMCAST 182 is sponsored by LeanKit Kanban. LeanKit Kanban is a software tool for kanban that is as simple to use as physical kanban. If you put it up on a touchscreen in your team area, it practically IS physical kanban. But your boards are available from anywhere, and updated in real-time. A slew of colors, icons, and avatars take your visual signaling to the next level. And the system tracks the metrics for you, providing analytics on bottlenecks, lead time, work distribution, process efficiency, and variability - for a single board or a whole company. It's kanban for the Lean enterprise. I am currently working on a book with three friends. We are using LeanKit Kanban as a mechanism to keep the project on track and organized. LeanKit allows us to share the Kanban board across the miles with ease! Visit LeanKit Kanban! (and say hello for the SPaMCAST!) Interested in becoming a radio star? If you are interested in reviewing tools or books? Drop me a note at spamcastinfo@gmail.com 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 NextThe Software Process and Measurement Cast 183 will feature my essay on release plans. Release plans are a critical tool in large agile projects.