Sun, 29 January 2012
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 171! The SPaMCAST 171 includes a double feature! Part One is Meta-Cast discussing where the Cast has been and where it is going. The short answer is 2012 is going to really COOL! Part Two is an entry in the Metrics Minute. We tackle Customer Satisfaction. Shameless Ad for my book! Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniquesco-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." Buy the book! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Next! SPaMCAST 172 will my interview with Dr. David Fraser. We discussed his book Relationship Mastery, A Business Professional’s Guide. Can you answer the question why are relationships important in business? You will know the answer after the interview! Direct download: SPaMCAST_171_-_Meta-Cast_Metrics_Minute_Customer_Satisfaction.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 10:34 PM |
Sun, 4 December 2011
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 161! The SPaMCAST 163 features an entry in the Metrics Minute. We discusse Retun on Investment. ROI is critical factor in proioritization whether at an epic or a story level! The PMO Leader of the Year Award will be presented to the PMO Leader, nominated by their PMO team, who shows the most excellent leadership and understanding of what a PMO can deliver to a business.
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.com Next! SPaMCAST 164 features my interview with Joe Raynus. Joe and I discussed Quantitative Business Process Management. A great discussion on measurement and business process improvement. Direct download: SPaMCAST_163_-_Metrics_Minute_-_Agile_Metrics_Return_on_Investment_ROI.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 10:27 PM |
Sun, 19 June 2011
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 139! In the SPaMCAST 139 we begin an exploration of financial metrics. The first class of financial metrics is those metrics that are used to decide which projects should be done. I call these return metrics and they ask the questions: Should we do this project? And more broadly, are their better uses for our assets? Generally these are questions are asked at the beginning of a project but can be equally powerful at different times during the project life cycle. Return metrics are focused on the financial aspect of project but less tangible assets can be incorporated. Attributes such as risk and strategy are examples of attributes that are often quantified and incorporated. Examples of this class of metric include Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Investment (ROI), payback period and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). In all cases these metrics account for income, a hurdle rate (interest rate or expected rate of return) and a comparison cost either based on assets, income, or equity. While these ratios are a rich source of decision making information, what they are not are tools to manage a project or programs. We begin with Return on Assets (ROA) is a ratio of the earnings generate from a project compared to the assets used to generate that revenue. ROA is a classic financial metric that when applied to projects, is typically used as a technique for project acceptance or in retrospective as a tool to evaluate overall performance. 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: Next! SPaMCAST 140 features my interview with Raja Bavani from Mindtree. We discussed his recent article,“The 10 best influences on software product engineering.” THis is a fantastic interview that gives context to the world of software engineering we inhabit. Direct download: SPaMCAST_139_-_Metrics_Minute_-_ROA_Return_on_Assets.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 9:00 PM |
Sun, 22 May 2011
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 133! SPaMCAST 135 features an entry in the Metrics Minute. We are covering a Value at Risk. WValue at Risk represents the potential impact of risk on the value of a project or portfolio of projects. Risk is monitored at specific points (a topic of further discussion in the near future) of the project life cycle. Monitoring includes an evaluation of the potential cost impact of remediating the risks that have not been fully remediated weighted by the probability of occurrence. Where the cost impact of risk is above program risk tolerance specific remediation plans will be established to reduce the estimated risk impact. The value at risk metric provides the team with a tool for prioritizing risks and risk management activities. 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.com Next! SPaMCAST 136 features my first live interview with Paul Brynes. We discussed the changes in the SCAMPI methodology used to appraise the CMMI. Important stuff if you have anything to do with the CMMI. Direct download: SPaMCAST_135_-_Metrics_Minute_-_Value_at_Risk.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 9:22 PM |
Sun, 8 May 2011
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 133! SPaMCAST 133 features an entry in the Metrics Minute. We tackle burn-up charts. The burn-up chart can be thought of as the mirror image of the burn-down chart but is generally extended over multiple sprints to show the strategy being followed as the project builds toward release and product delivery. 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.com Next! SPaMCAST 134 features my interview with Cynthia Kurtz on stories and how stories can be a VERY powereful tool for gathering requirements and for knowledge management. I am already planning to listen to this one again because of the huge amount of value Cynthia provided! Direct download: SPaMCAST_133_-_Metrics_Minute_-_Burn-up_Charts.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 9:00 PM |
Mon, 28 February 2011
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 123! In this week’s Software Process and Measurement Cast we have an entry in the Metrics Minute. We cover Burn down charts are a critcial part of what makes agile work. The esay begins . . . Burn Down Charts are a graphical representation of the work left to be done and of the progress that has been made. The chart is typically drawn to show progress against predictions. The analogy of a glide path has been used to paint a picture of the slope and the ultimate destination of a burn down chart which targeted at completion. One of the most powerful attractions of the burn down chart is that it involves psychology by emotionally tying the metric to completion through the visual representation of a path counting down to zero. Book Plug . . . Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Check out my blog and show notes for upcoming conferences and webinars! Next! Direct download: SPaMCAST_123_-_Metrics_Minute_-_Burn_Down_Charts.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 12:48 AM |
Sun, 30 January 2011
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 119! In this week’s Software Process and Measurement Cast we have another installment of the Metrics Minute. This Metrics Minute is focused on Velocity. The esay begins . . . The simple definition of velocity, as it is currently used, is the amount of work that is completed in a period of time (typically a sprint). The definition is related to productivity which is the amount of effort required to complete a unit of work and delivery rate which measures the speed that work is completed. The inclusion of a time box (the sprint) creates a fixed duration which transforms velocity into more of a productivity metric than a speed metric (how much work can be be done in a specific timescale by a specific team). Therefore to truly measure velocity you need to estimate the units of work completed, have a definition of complete and have a time box. Book Plug . . . Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement Cast Check out my blog and show notes for upcoming conferences and webinars! Next!
Direct download: SPaMCAST_119_-_Metrics_Minute_-_Velocity_IFPUG_News.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 10:00 PM |
Sun, 19 December 2010
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 113! In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 113 features on of the entries in the Metrics Minute. We talk about assignment scope! Maintenance Assignment Scope is a measure of the efficiency of the application support function. 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 Cast Next! Direct download: SPaMAST_113_-_Assignment_Scope_Metrics_Minute.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 10:00 AM |
Sun, 29 August 2010
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 97! Software Process and Measurement Cast features an essay on time-to-market which is an excerpt from a new writing project I am calling The Metrics Minute. You will see more essays from this project in the future and a call to action.
Time-to-market (TTM) is a measure of the calendar duration of a project. Calendar time is the granddaddy of all measures of project performance. The popularity of the measure is driven by its ease of calculation as by definition all projects have a start date and every day that goes by adds one to day to the duration of the project and brings you one day closer to both the predicted and eventual end of the project. Time to market because it's simplicity has a great deal of allure however because of it simplicity it has very little explanatory power. Calendar time is a metric that everyone can understand in theory however how long is too long or why one project takes longer than another can only be answered by making a comparison to something else. Citrix GoToAssist Express is sponsoring SPaMCAST Solve technical issues faster with GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days. 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 Cast Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date) Next! Direct download: SPaMCAST_97_-_Time-to-Market_Essay_Metrics_Minute.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 10:51 PM |
Sun, 15 August 2010
Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 95! Software Process and Measurement Cast features an essay on labor productivity which is an excerpt from a new writing project I am calling The Metrics Minute. You will see more essays from this project in the future and a call to action.
Citrix GoToAssist Express is sponsoring SPaMCAST Solve technical issues faster with GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days. 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 Cast Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date): Next! Direct download: SPaMCAST_95_-_Labor_Productivity_Essay_Metrics_Minute.mp3 Category:Metrics Minute -- posted at: 9:00 PM |



