Software Process and Measurement Cast

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 110! The Software Process and Measurement Cast this week features an in interview with Scott Price of LoadStorm.com. Our discussion focused on load testing but covered ground that included the whole life testing life cycle. Scott Price is the Omega Geek at LoadStorm.com. As a 25-year veteran in the software industry, he is currently enjoying the pursuit of his passion for web application performance engineering. He is a frequent public speaker because of his unusual blend of technical knowledge and presentation skills. His focus is on developing cloud products such as LoadStorm, promoting faster web page speeds, and improving overall web app performance under heavy traffic. He works with customers by support them through coaching in use of performance testing tools and techniques. From a family with several generations of entrepreneurs, Scott founded and managed Advantage Medical Systems, Inc. which was acquired by Acxiom Corporation in 1995. He co-founded CustomerCentrix LLC in 1997, the parent company of LoadStorm.com, and is actively growing new products and services. He is the current Chair of Summit County Young Life, current Chairman of the Board for Dillon Community Church, a charter member of the Colorado Business Association Council, former Chairman of the Colorado Internet Keiretsu, and former leader in the Colorado Software Internet Association. Ready to loadtest your mind? It is time for the interview. Website: http://loadstorm.com/Email: ScottP@LoadStorm.com Vote for the cast on Reddit at http://bit.ly/enkoqV #testing 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!SPaMCAST 111 we will complete my essay on the seven deadly sin of measurment programs. We seal the deal with the sin of greed. I will also have some confernece news.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 109! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions. The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program. In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 109 we explore the how measurement and envy can be interwoven. Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing is available on Amazon now! A recent email sang the praises of "Mastering" like this: "The book is extremely well written explaining the nuances of pro-active project management and can be used by Project Manager’s at every level including the beginners. Very straight forward, simple in application and easy to adopt." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! 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 Feedback I recetly corresponed with Bruce Reynolds. Bruce thank me for the podcast and in further conversation he suggested I reach out to arrange an interview with John Hollmann. John Hollmann is the primary author of the Total Cost Management Framework, and is a key contributor to risk forums within the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, International (aacei.org). Bruce noted that as a cost estimator, "I've often wondered how or if the IT field would review the practices of the more established engineering professions (AACEI comes to mind) and come up with more established and rigorous risk management processes." Bruce goes on to state. "that risk is little understood by a surprising number of people. Perhaps if you could do an episode that would cover how risk is handled in estimates (triangular, beta, normal, uniform and other risk distributions come to mind). People should know the difference between the usual suspects of risk versus systemic risk." "The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, International (aacei.org) is working on developing a certification on risk that in my opinion is more rigorous than the one that PMI has already developed." I agree and think that this would be a great topic. I will find a way to cover it in the near future! Next!SPaMCAST 109 will features an interview with Scott Price of LoadStorm fame. Our discussion focused on load testing but covered ground that included the whole life testing life cycle.

Software Process and Measurement Cast 108 features my discussion with Bob Lewis. We talked about his new book Bare Bone Change Management, success, IT philosophy and a slew of other topics. Robert Lewis, president and founder of IT Catalysts, is one of the most respected advisers and commentators in the IT industry. He is the award-winning author of eight books and nearly 800 columns dealing with how to effectively lead information technology organizations, integrate them into the enterprise, and use them as part of effectively planned and executed business change programs. Known for his unique blend of vision and pragmatism, Mr. Lewis is recognized internationally as an authority on how to maximize the value delivered by information technology organizations and to achieve designed and planned organizational change. Prior to founding IT Catalysts, Mr. Lewis held a wide variety of executive, management, staff, and consulting positions in the field of information technology, as well as positions in manufacturing, product development, business planning, and consulting. Website: http://www.itcatalysts.com/index.htmlKeep the Joint Running: http://www.issurvivor.com/Bare Bones Change Management: http://bit.ly/9ZXhSqEmail: RDLewis@ITCatalysts.com Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing is on the bookshelves! According to one the reviews on Amazon: "I am very glad that I found this book. It is the only project management book that I know of that is filled with practical, real-life and modern advice. It does not simply concentrate on theories but covers experiences that project managers will run into throughout any project." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! 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:SPaMCAST 109 will feature the next installment of my essay on the Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs. We will be tackling the topic of envy.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 107! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions. The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program. In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 107 we explore the effect of measurement lust. Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing has hit the bookshelves! According to one the reviews on Amazon: "There are lots of books on software project management. Why this one and who is the audience? "Mastering Software Project Management" is an attempt to provide coverage of all the major topics that must be addressed in managing a software development project." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! 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!SPaMCAST 108 will features an interview with Bob Lewis. We discussed his new book Bare Bones Change Management. Change is always an interesting topic but Bob was able to raise bar and make it an incredible topic!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 106! SPaMCAST 106 features my interview with Larry Goldberg. We discussed the book he co-authored, The Decision Model: A Business Logic Framework linking Business and Technology. This was a wide ranging interview. I am sure you will enjoy it! Larry Goldberg is Managing Partner of Knowledge Partners International, LLC (KPI),with over thirty years of experience in building technology based companies on three continents, and in which the focus was rules-based technologies and applications.Commercial applications in which he played a primary architectural role include such diverse domains as healthcare, supply chain, and property & casualty insurance. Larry is co-author of The Decision Model: A Business Logic Framework linking Business and Technology (Auerbach, 2009), a co-editor of The Business RuleRevolution: Running the Business the Right Way (HappyAbout.info 2007), on the editorial board of www.BPMInstitute.org and is the Editorial Director of the BDM Bulletin, a monthly e-publication of the BPMInstitute.org. Larry joins Barbara von Halle, his business partner at KPI, in writing the monthly Business Decision Management column in www.Tdan.com and in www.ModernAnalyst.com (from October 2009). In addition Larry's writings can be read in industry publications such as www.BPtrends.com, www.RequirementsNetwork.com and www.ITMPI.org. He may be heard, four times a year, as the track chair of the BDM Symposium at the Brainstorm conference, and at many conferences and industry events around the world. He and Barbara von Halle conduct a very popular series of training seminars on Business Decision Management and the Decision Model, both in person and on-line. Larry can be found at www.TheDecisionModel.com and looks forward to hearing from everyone with and interest in decision management, business rules, BDM,EDM, and BPM. Next!SPaMCAST 107 will feature the fifth installment of the Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay. In this installment we discuss lust. The essay begins: There is a famous adage that states that you get what you measure. The point that is trying to be made is that if you focus on a specfic activity or process people will perform. It is a human tendency to wish to please. Unfortunately the tendency to please and a feed back loop can create an addiction or a fixation with a single metric or attribute. Fixation is an extreme of behavior that can cause the addict to exclude what is really important. Fixating and chasing a single measure to exclusion of everything else is the sin of lust in the measurement world. See you next week!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 105! The Seven Deadly Sins popularized by Dante have been used as an analogy for a fallen man’s tendency to sin and as analogy for the ills or risks of many professions. The analogy fits as well for software metrics; focusing attention on the behaviors that could sap your program’s integrity, effectiveness and life span. This paper looks at a set of deadly sins from the point of view of a person or group that is creating or managing a metrics program. In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 105 we explore wrath. Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing has hit the bookshelves! According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! 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!SPaMCAST 105 will feature an interview with Larry Goldberg. We discussed the book he co-authored, The Decision Model: A Business Logic Framework linking Business and Technology published by Taylor and Francis 2009. This was awide ranging interview. I am sure you will enjoy it!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 104. SPaMCAST 104 features my interview with Nigel Green coauthor of Lost In Translation. Nigel provides insights that suggests a new path for projects that focuses on the human dimensions of change.Nigel Green is an business change consultant, IS advisor and author who specialises in the conception, management and delivery of business-led IT solutions. He is fascinated by two things: the way people actually use IT and how well IT reflects real-world behaviour. His list of favourite authors hints at his values: philosophers, economists, architects, physicists, anthropologists, entrepreneurs, technologists and systems theory thought leaders are on that list. A business/IT translator for over 25 years, Nigel specializes in large organizations with complex and distributed operating models. website : www.5dinnovation.comTwitter: www.twitter.com/taotwit 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 has hit the bookshelves! According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! 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!SPaMCAST 105 will feature the fourth installment of the Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay. It is time for RAGE!!!!!!

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 103. SPaMCAST 103 will feature the third installment of the Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay. Sloth plagues many measurement programs as they age. As time goes by, it is easy for practitioners to drift away from the passionate pursuit of data to transform into knowledge. Sloth in measurement programs is typically not caused by laziness. In this essay we explore the reasons for apparent sloth and how to conquer those problems. Note based on a comment by @The0retico on Twitter I have shortened the intro and will work on shortening the extro section. This week we have have comment by Royce Edwards after the essay. 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 has hit the bookshelves! According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers!Have you bought your copy? Order it 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/16fBWV Next!SPaMCAST 104 will feature my interview with Nigel Green coauthor of Lost In Translation. Nigel provides insights that suggests a new path for projects that focuses on the human dimensions of change.

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 102. SPaMCAST 102 features my interview with Anita Cassidy. We discussed her book "A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning" along with how to improve value and performance of IT! Anita Cassidy is owner and partner of ITDirections ( www.itdirections.com ), a technology consulting organization focused on the areas of strategic planning, assessments, software selection, contract negotiation, process improvement, coaching and temporary CIO. With over 30 years experience in IT, Anita has a reputation in the industry as a trusted advisor, consultant, and executive coach who has a true passion and track-record for making a difference. Anita is a nationally recognized industry leader in strategic planning and has published five books, including a best-seller titled "A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning" (Taylor & Francis Group). Her latest book, published in 2010 was titled "A Practical Guide to Reducing IT Costs" (JRoss Publishing). As an accomplished facilitator, instructor, presenter, and industry expert, she has been a speaker at many national events and conferences, quoted in various articles and magazines, and served as a technology advisor and industry authority. Anita has held the CIO, VP, and top IT positions in worldwide companies such as Fisher-Rosemount (a division of Emerson Electric), Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur (Beckman Coulter), and Graco. Anita is also an adjunct professor co-teaching an Engineering IT masters course at St. Thomas University. Ms. Cassidy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with MIS emphasis from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. 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 has hit the bookshelves! According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers!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 Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)October 7th 11:00 - 12:30 Webinar: Functional Metrics and Agile Estimation, RevisitedRegister here! Synopsis - Estimation is a lightning rod for conflicts between agile and process driven methodologies. However, times are changing, and agile is maturing. Part of the process of maturing is the incorporation of best practices from other methods and frameworks. In this webinar, Tom Cagley will explain how functional metrics allow you to incorporate additional process discipline into the estimation processes typically used by agile teams. Next!SPaMCAST 103 will feature the thirds installment of the Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay. We take on sloth, really this time!

SPaMCAST 101 features the second part of my Seven Deadly Sins of Measurement Programs essay. In this installment we focus on gluttony. I jumped over sloth as I decided it needed a rewrite (no sloth here!). Citrix GoToAssist Express is sponsoring SPaMCAST Solve technical issues faster with GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days. 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 has hit the bookshelves! According to Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc, "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge." If you a project manager or know project managers buy yourself a copy and a second to lend co-workers! 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 Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date) October 7th 11:00 - 12:30 Webinar: Functional Metrics and Agile Estimation, Revisited Register here! Estimation is a lightening rod for conflicts between agile and process driven methodologies. However, times are changing, and agile is maturing. Part of the process of maturing is the incorporation of best practices from other methods and frameworks. In this webinar, Tom Cagley will explain how functional metrics allow you to incorporate additional process discipline into the estimation processes typically used by agile teams. Next!SPaMCAST 102 features my interview with Anita Cassidy. We discussed her book "A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning" along with how to improve value and performance of IT!