Sun, 25 November 2007 ** I know this show is a week late. I had a motherboard failure; I am working on a replacement. **
Show 22 features an interview with Joe Levens of Wolters Kluwer discussing Configuration Management (CM). Joe has worked in development, testing, configuration management, and process improvement roles for 24 years. He formed and led the Configuration Management group at Reuters for 8 years, which performed a unique process of integrity checking on software releases, to significantly improve product quality delivered to the customer. His group managed an average of 1000 software and document releases per year, distributed globally. Joseph is currently a Program Manager for Wolters Kluwer, where he chairs a Software Process Improvement Collaboration Forum among organizations throughout North America.
The essay is titled "Attention as an Asset in Outsourcing". The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Comments and corrections are welcome.
Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . .
Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features an interview with Johanna Rothman titled “Project Management in the Post Waterfall World. Johanna is an author, consultant and guru if you have any interest in Project Management you will not want to miss this interview!
Direct download: SPaMCAST_22_-_Levens_Configuration_Management_Attention.mp3 Category: Configuration Management -- posted at: 4:56 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 4 November 2007 
Software Process and Measurement Show 21 features an
interview with Miranda Mason of Accenture on metrics consulting and sourcing
programs. The interview has a ton of
information on how to make metrics programs useful and how to approach sourcing
these kinds of programs. MS Mason is the global Performance Management and
metrics lead for Accenture’s Outsourcing practice. She has extensive experience
in IT metrics, Balanced Scorecards, Six Sigma, and application outsourcing.
Miranda lives in The
essay is titled “Marine Corp Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . .
Future Events: On
Tuesday November 13th I am presenting Traceability:
A Proposal for a Scalable Approach, Agile To Formal at the Fourth Annual
International Conference on Software Process Improvement in Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process
and Measurement Cast will feature a brilliant interview with Joe Levens of Wolters
Kluwer on configuration management (CM).
Direct download: SPaMCAST_21_-_Mason_Sourcing_Metrics_Programs_Teams.mp3 Category: Measurement -- posted at: 8:27 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 21 October 2007 
Software Process and Measurement Show 20 features Part 2 of
an interview with Dave Garmus discussing IFPUG Function Points. David Garmus is one of the Founders of The
David Consulting Group (DCG). David is an acknowledged authority in the sizing,
measurement and estimation of software application development. He is a Past
President of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) and a member
of their Counting Practices Committee. Mr. Garmus is also a member of PMI, SEI
and QAI. He has a BS from UCLA and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate
School of Business Administration. He has spoken at numerous conferences and
has written many articles and several books, including: ·
Measuring The Software Process: A
Practical Guide To Functional Measurements, Prentice Hall, 1996 ·
Function Point Analysis; Measurement
Practices for Successful Software Projects, Addison-Wesley, 2001 ·
IT Measurement; Practical Advice
from the Experts, Addison-Wesley, 2002 as a Contributor ·
“IT Metrics and Benchmarking,"
Cutter IT Journal, June & November 2003 issues, Guest Editor ·
“Identifying Your Organization’s
Best Practices," CrossTalk, June 2005 ·
“An Introduction to Function Point
Counting," Projects & Profits, ICFAI, June 2005 ·
“The Principles of Sizing and
Estimating Projects Using IFPUG Function Points," Software Tech News, June 2006
The
essay is titled “Tailoring and Worktypes."
The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Comments and corrections are welcome. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG – www.tcagley.wordpress.com Future Events: On
Tuesday November 13th I am presenting Traceability:
A Proposal for a Scalable Approach, Agile To Formal at the Fourth Annual
International Conference on Software Process Improvement in Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process
and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Miranda Mason of Accenture
on sourcing metrics programs. Sourcing your metrics program is not a topic
that gets a lot of press however the practice is becoming more common and bears
examination. Direct download: SPaMCAST_20_-_Garmus_Function_Points_and_Tailoring.mp3 Category: Function Points -- posted at: 5:00 PM Comments[0] |
Mon, 8 October 2007
Software Process and Measurement Cast Show 19 features an
interview with Dave Garmus discussing IFPUG Function Points. David Garmus is one of the
Founders of The David Consulting Group (DCG). David is an acknowledged
authority in the sizing, measurement and estimation of software application
development. He is a Past President of the International Function Point Users
Group (IFPUG) and a member of their Counting Practices Committee. Mr. Garmus is
also a member of PMI, SEI and QAI. He has a BS from UCLA and an MBA from
Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. He has spoken at
numerous conferences and has written many articles and several books,
including: ·
Measuring The Software Process: A
Practical Guide To Functional Measurements, Prentice Hall, 1996 · Function Point Analysis; Measurement
Practices for Successful Software Projects, Addison-Wesley, 2001 ·
IT Measurement; Practical Advice
from the Experts, Addison-Wesley, 2002 as a Contributor ·
“IT Metrics and Benchmarking,"
Cutter IT Journal, June & November 2003 issues, Guest Editor ·
“Identifying Your Organization’s
Best Practices," CrossTalk, June 2005 ·
“An Introduction to Function Point
Counting," Projects & Profits, ICFAI, June 2005 ·
“The Principles of Sizing and
Estimating Projects Using IFPUG Function Points," Software Tech News, June 2006
The
essay is titled “Stockholm Syndrome and Outsourcing." The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Comments and corrections are welcome. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG – www.tcagley.wordpress.com Future Events: On October 11 I will be
presenting a DCG / CAI Webinar titled Benchmarking Performance for the Bottom
Line - October 11th, 2007, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EST go to www.davidconsultingroup.com
website to register. On
Tuesday November 13th I am presenting Traceability:
A Proposal for a Scalable Approach, Agile To Formal at the Fourth Annual
International Conference on Software Process Improvement in
The next Software Process
and Measurement Cast will feature Part 1 of the interview with Dave Garmus
covering IFPUG Function Points, if you are interested in functional measurement
this is a must cast. Direct download: SPaMCAST_19_Garmus_IFPUG_Function_Points_Stoclholm_Syndrome.mp3 Category: Function Points -- posted at: 9:55 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 23 September 2007 
Software Process and Measurement Show 18 features an interview with Kent Beck discussing
transparency. Kent Beck is the Founder
and Director of Three Rivers Institute (TRI). His career has combined the practice
of software development with reflection, innovation, and communication. His
contributions to software development include patterns for software, the
rediscovery of test-first programming, the xUnit family of developer testing
tools, and Extreme Programming. He currently divides his time between writing,
programming, and coaching. Beck is the author/co-author of Extreme Programming
Explained: Embrace Change 2nd Edition, Contributing to Eclipse, Test-Driven
Development: By Example, Planning Extreme Programming, The Smalltalk Best
Practice Patterns, and the JUnit Pocket Guide. He received his B.S. and
M.S. in Computer Science from the University
of Oregon. The Three Rivers Institute can be found at www.threeriversinstitute.org/ The
essay in this cast is three mini-segments of a new thread titled “Life Lessons
in Measurement and Process Improvement."
The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Comments and corrections are welcome. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG – www.tcagley.wordpress.com Future Events: On October 11 I will be
presenting a DCG / CAI Webinar titled Benchmarking Performance for the Bottom
Line - October 11th, 2007, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EST go to www.davidconsultingroup.com
website to register. On
Tuesday November 13th I am presenting Traceability:
A Proposal for a Scalable Approach, Agile To Formal at the Fourth Annual
International Conference on Software Process Improvement in Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process
and Measurement Cast will feature an interview Dave Garmus covering IFPUG
Function Points, if you are interested in functional measurement this is a must
cast. Direct download: SPaMCAST_18_Beck_Transparency_Life_Lessons_.mp3 Category: Agile -- posted at: 8:43 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 9 September 2007 Software Process and Measurement Show 16 features an interview Paul Radford of Charismatek Software Metrics discussing using functional metrics to build software. Paul is one of the movers and shakers behind Charismatek Software Metrics a multifaceted organization that has brought us Function Point Workbench and a wide range of consulting. Paul is a master at making software measurement relevant to controlling and delivering software. Contact data:
Phone: + 61 (0) 3 9696 1255
The essay titledfor this cast is titled ““You Get What You Look For, So Look," discusses the common measurement short coming of stock piling data before reporting or using it. The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Comments and corrections are welcome.
Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG – www.tcagley.wordpress.com
Future Events: In September, I will be presenting ‘Life on the Edge: Counting Weird Things on the Web’ on Thursday September 13th at 11:20 at the International Software Measurement and Analysis Conference in
Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features a wonderful interview with Kent Beck in which we discussed transparency. If you are interested in the cutting edge of software development from a humanistic point of view you will need to be here in two weeks. Comments[0] |
Mon, 3 September 2007 An open letter to IFPUG members: Board of Directors Election
Four Board of
Director Candidates speak out on the Issues!
If you are interested in listening to the podcast you can subscribe via ITunes, other podcatchers or go to www.spamcast.net for streaming. As in IFPUG member you have a deep interest in how IFPUG governed. Board members have a significant hand in whether new ideas are embraced or the status quo maintained, whether offerings are expanded or maintained. Your vote for the members of the IFPUG Board of Directors is an important tool for you to make your voice heard. If you’re voting member in good standing (one good indication is whether you paid your dues) you should have recently received a ballot in the mail or an e-mail with instructions on how to vote if you have not received one or both please:
Direct download: SPaMCAST_Special_Edition_IFPUG_Board_of_Directors_Election.mp3 Category: IFPUG -- posted at: 2:19 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 26 August 2007 Software Process and Measurement Show 16 features an interview with Mary Poppendieck discussing Lean Software Development processes. Mary Poppendieck As a seasoned leader in both operations and new product development, she brings a practical, customer-focused approach to software development problems. A popular writer and speaker, Mary’s classes on managing software development offer a fresh perspective on project management. Her book Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit, was published in 2003 Phone: 952-934-7998
The essay on this instatllment of the Software Process and Measurement Cast is a titled “A Pattern of Failure, A Pattern of Change.�? The essay is a commentary on the lack of systemic thinking we sometimes see in process improvement programs The text of this commentary can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Comments and corrections Remember that comments and There are a number of ways to
Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1.206.888.6111 Twitter www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG www.tcagley.wordpress.com
Future Events: In September, I will be presenting ‘Life on the Edge: Counting Weird Things on the Web’ on Thursday September 13th at 11:20 at the International Software Measurement and Analysis Conference in
Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Paul Radford of Charismatek Software Metrics, if you are interested in software process and measurement this is a must cast.
Direct download: SPaMCAST_16_-_Poppendieck_Lean_Systemic_Thinking.mp3 Category: Lean -- posted at: 5:49 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 12 August 2007 
Software Process and Measurement Show 14 features
an interview with Scott Goldfarb discussing software baselines and benchmarks. Scott, the President of Q/P Management Group
(http://www.qpmg.com/), is an international consultant and speaker with over
thirty years of software experience.
Scott specializes in helping organizations improve software quality and
productivity through measurement. Ray Rosenblatt
has contributed a review of the book “Metrics and Models in Software Quality
Engineering�? by Stephen H Kan for the essay. The text of this commentary
can be found at my blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember
that comments and feedback are welcome! There
are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email
SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice
messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter
– www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG
– www.tcagley.wordpress.com Future
Events: On August 23 I
will present a DCG / CAI Webinar: titled Measure Twice, Implement Once at 11:00
AM - 12:30 PM EDT . See http://www.davidconsultinggroup.com/news/calendar.aspx
for details. In September, I
will be presenting ‘Life on the Edge: Counting Weird Things on the Web’
on Thursday September 13th at 11:20 at the International Software Measurement
and Analysis Conference in Next Software
Process and Measurement Cast:
The next Software Process
and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Mary Poppendieck on Lean,
if you are interested in software process efficiency this is a must cast.
Direct download: SPaMCAST_15_Goldfarb_Benchmarking_Rosenblatt.mp3 Category: Measurement -- posted at: 5:00 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 29 July 2007 
Software Process and Measurement Show 14 features an interview with M.A. Parthasarathy discussing estimation and his new book “Practical Software Estimation Function Point Methods for Insourced and Outsourced Projects." Partha is the Head of Outsourcing Academy at the Strategic Global Sourcing unit at Infosys. In this role, he is responsible for enabling and developing competencies of the SGS Delivery team, specific to large outsourcing engagements. Partha can be reached at Partha@infosys.com. The essay for this cast is a review of Partha’s book “Practical Software Estimation". If you skip the review (really bad choice) just remember this is book is one to buy and use. The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley BLOG – www.tcagley.wordpress.com It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages! Future Events: On August 23 I will present a DCG / CAI Webinar: titled Measure Twice, Implement Once at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EDT . See http://www.davidconsultinggroup.com/news/calendar.aspx for details. In September, I will be presenting ‘Life on the Edge: Counting Weird Things on the Web’ on Thursday September 13th at 11:20 at the International Software Measurement and Analysis Conference in News from Friends of SPaMCAST I got a note from Kenji Hiranabe, I interviewed Kenji in SPaMCAST 7. We discussed agile and mind maps. He provided an update on some of the things he is up to – 1. Ruby and Agile combination rant. I have a chance to talk with Matz, the father of Ruby. We talk about Ruby and Agile and video taped and added English subtitles. http://www.infoq.com/news/2007/06/ruby-x-agile 2. Sustainable Software Development, book review mind map. Great book. I made a fancy mind map of the concept. The two can be found in my English blog. http://jude-users.com/en/modules/weblog/index.php?user_id=5 Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features an interview with Scott Goldfarb on benchmarks. This interview included tons information for people interested in software metrics. Direct download: SPaMCAST_14_Parthasarathy_Estimation_Book_Review.mp3 Category: Estimation -- posted at: 1:56 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 15 July 2007  Software Process and Measurement Six Month Anniversary
Show Thirteen features
an interview with Gary Gack on Lean Six Sigma.
The interview is phenomenal! The essay for
this cast is titled, “Achieving Balance in Outsourcing Governance."" The text of this commentary can be found at my
personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that
comments and feedback are welcome! There are a
number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email
SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice
messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter
– www.twitter.com/tcagley It is my intent
to share all emails and voice messages! Future
Events: On August 23 I will
present a DCG / CAI Webinar: titled Measure
Twice, Implement Once at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EDT . See http://www.davidconsultinggroup.com/news/calendar.aspx
for details. In
September, I will be presenting ‘Life
on the Edge: Counting Weird Things on the Web’ on Thursday September 13th
at 11:20 at the International Software Measurement and Analysis Conference in Next
Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software
Process and Measurement Cast features an interview with M.A. Parthasarathy, Mr.
Parthasarathy is the author of Practical Software Estimation which was recently
published by Addison Wesley. It is
interviews like this that remind of why I started SPaMCAST. I enjoyed the
discussion and you will get a ton out of it.
Direct download: SPaMCAST_13_Gack_Lean_Six_Sigma_Outsourcing.mp3 Category: Six Sigma -- posted at: 5:12 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 1 July 2007 Show Twelve features the second part of an interview with Charles Symons on Cosmic Full Function Points. COSMIC – Full Function Points are one of the 4 functional metrics recognized by ISO as international standards. The two interviews included great material for anyone interested in IT measurement. Charles is the creator of MARKII Function Points and one of the founding members of COSMIC. Information on COSMIC can be found at http://www.cosmicon.com/advantagecs.asp and http://www.gelog.etsmtl.ca/cosmic-ffp/index.html.
The essay for this cast is titled, Why Are Requirements So Hard to Get Right, Process. This is Part Two of the essay cycle on requirements. The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 Twitter – www.twitter.com/tcagley It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages! Future Events: In September, I will be presenting Counting Weird Things on the Web at the International Software Measurement and Analysis Conference in Las Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Sunday September 9 through the 14th. Other Notes: Past Shows Included interviews with (current to oldest): * Charles Symons on COSMIC-FFP * David Herron - "Thoughts of a SPI Warrior" * Patricia Ferdinandi discussing Requirements, * Kenji Hiranabe on Mind Mapping, * Michael Bragen on Parametric Estimation, * Ian Brown on the Basics of Estimation, * Stasia Iwanicki covering Six Sigma and the CMMI, * Capers Jones expounding on the Future of Measurement, and * Will McKnight on PPQA. Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast (six month anniversary) will feature an interview with Gary Gaack on Lean Six Sigma. Direct download: SPaMCAST_12_-_Symons_Part_2_COSMIC-FFP_Requirements.mp3 Category: COSMIC - FFP -- posted at: 5:00 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 17 June 2007 Software Process and Measurement Cast 11! Show Eleven features Part One of an in depth interview with Charles Symons on the topic of COSMIC Full Function Points. Charles Symons is currently joint project leader of COSMIC, the Common Software Measurement International Consortium. Before leading the development of COSMIC-FFP, Charles invented the Mk II Function Point Analysis technique for sizing software requirements. Information on COSMIC can be found at http://www.cosmicon.com/advantagecs.asp and http://www.gelog.etsmtl.ca/cosmic-ffp/index.html. "Inca Trail and Process Improvement: A Ritual Purification". The text of this commentary can be found at my personal blog, www.tcagley.wordpress.com. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages!
Future Events: On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Los Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in News on the Second Annual International Software Measurement and Analysis Conference on the next cast! Other Notes Also Caper's Jones Estimating Software Costs Second Edition has hit the book stores! Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature the conclusion of the interview with Charles Symons discussing COSMIC Full Function Points.
Direct download: SPaMCAST_11.Symons_COSMIC-FFP_Inca_Trail.mp3 Category: COSMIC - FFP -- posted at: 5:00 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 3 June 2007  Software Process and Measurement Cast 10! Show Ten features an interview with The essay for this cast is titled, The Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs? We pick up with the sin of sloth. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome!
There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages!
Future Events:
On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Los Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in
Other Notes
Also Caper's Jones Estimating Software Costs Second Edition has hit the book stores! Review soon.
Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features an interview with Charles Symons discussing COSMIC Full Function Points.
Direct download: SPaMCAST_Ten_-_Herron_SPI_Advice_Deadly_Sins_-_Sloth.mp3 Category: Process Improvement -- posted at: 1:17 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 20 May 2007  Show Nine features an interview with Patricia Ferdinandi which begins an arc on the thorny topic of requirements. Patricia is uniquely qualified to begin this discussion as both a practicing consultant and author of the book titled A Requirements Pattern: Succeeding in the Internet Economy. Requirements are a core (maybe the core) concept of delivering ANY type of project. The essay for this cast is titled, The Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs? We begin with the sin of pride or one metric to rule them all. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111 It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages! Future Events: On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Las Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Information is available at http://tinyurl.com/d9fau If you are attending let me know. Other Notes: Ian Brown's article Controlling Software Acquisition Costs With Fnciton Points and Estimation Tool in the May 2007 Crosstalk can be found at http://tinyurl.com/86wxf3 Also Caper's Jones Estimating Software Costs Second Edition has hit the book stores! Review soon. Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features an interview with David Herron discussing executive coaching. David is the founder of the David Consulting Group, author, presenter and runner. Direct download: SPaMCAST_Nine_-_Ferdinandi_Requirements_Seven_Deadly_Sins.mp3 Category: Requirements -- posted at: 6:00 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 6 May 2007  Show Eight features an interview with Stephen Finegoldon on the topic of build management. Build Management is one of those basic blocking and tackling issues that every organization must wrestle with but few do well. This is especially true for small and medium sized IT shops. Stephen Finegold is the managing partner of SFT Consulting, LLC (www.sftconsulting.com). SFT Consulting provides outsourced project management, custom software development, and process improvement consulting. Over the past 15 years, Steve has managed software development in the government, non-profit and the commercial sectors. Stephen Finegold is a Project Management Professional and a Microsoft Certified Professional. The essay for this cast is titled, Involvement: Whose Industry Is It Anyway? The essay throws down the gauntlet on the obligation to get involved in the industry you involved in. Involvement and content creation is CRITICAL to the intellectual vitality of the world around you! Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Email SPaMCAST at spamcastinfo@gmail.com Voice messages can be left at 1-206-888-6111It is my intent to share all emails and voice messages! Future Events: On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Las Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Information is available at http://tinyurl.com/d9fau. If you are attending let me know. Other Notes: Ian Brown's article Controlling Software Acquisition Costs With Fnciton Points and Estimation Tool in the May 2007 Crosstalk can be found at http://tinyurl.com/86wxf3 Also Caper's Jones Estimating Software Costs Second Edition has hit the book stores! Review soon. Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features a great interview with Patricia Ferdinandi author of A Requirements Pattern: Succeeding in the Internet Economy. The interview will cover the topic of build management. The essay will be on the first of the deadly sins of metrics. Direct download: SPaMCAST_Eight_Build_Management_Involvement_Stephen_Finegold.mp3 Category: Configuration Management -- posted at: 5:00 PM Comments[0] |
Mon, 23 April 2007  SPaMCAST Seven! Show Seven features an interview with Kenji Hiranabe on using mind mapping in agile projects. Mind Mapping is a powerful technique to order information and concentrate communication. The interview with Mr. Hiranabe includes a large number of practical applications of the method to agile and plan based projects. Kenji Hiranabe, CEO of Change Vision, Inc (http://www.change-vision.com/index_en.html). Change Vision develops tools to help deliver effective projects. He is a Japanese software development consultant and book translator of Extreme Programming Installed, Lean Software Development, Agile Project Management, and other Agile books. He's also an author of JUDE, a UML and MindMap editor software and TRICHORD, an agile project management tool. You can read his blog at http://jude-users.com/en/modules/weblog/index.php?user_id=5.He specializes in agile development, object-oriented software construction and project facilitation. The essay for this cast is titled, Why are requirements so hard to get right? Part 1. The essay focuses on the people factors affecting the requirements process. The people factors typically are the most volatile and a seemingly least controllable of the people, process and environment variables within the requirements process. Process, and environment will be discussed in subsequent essays. Remember that comments and feedback are welcome! There are a number of ways to share your thoughts . . . Future Events: On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting "When Good Numbers Go Bad" at Better Software 2007 in Los Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Information is available at http://www.sqe.com/bettersoftwareconf/ If you are attending let me know. Next Software Process and Measurement Cast: The next Software Process and Measurement Cast features an important interview with Stephen Finegold of SFT Consulting, LLC. The interview will cover the topic of build management. The essay will be on the first of the deadly sins of metrics. Direct download: SPaMCAST_Seven_-_Hiranabe_Mind_Mapping_Requirements_.mp3 Category: Agile -- posted at: 12:43 AM Comments[0] |
Sat, 24 March 2007  The Software Process and Measurement Cast (SPaMCAST) Five features an interview with Ian Brown of Booz Allen Hamilton covering the topic of estimation. Project estimation (whether software, hardware, network or research projects) is one the hardest areas organizations face when planning or executing work. Ian provides serious advice for implementing an estimation program.
SPaMCAST Five includes a guest essay by Paul Laberge of CCH Canada on fitting PPQA audit to an organization to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. If you have an idea for a guest essay contact Tom Cagley at spamcastinfo@gmail.com, the Software Process and Measurement Cast welcomes guest essays!
Finally this cast includes comments on Putts Law. Putts Law states that - those that understand do not manage and those that manage do not understand. I am worried about the thought of using project managers wholesale without technical competency. Does this casue a competency inversion? What are the attributes of a perfect project manager? Send your comment to spamcastinfo@gmail.com.
Next Cast:
The next cast continues the estimation theme arc on estimation with an interview with Michael Bragen of Software Productivity Research, LLC. The essay for the cast is tentatively titled, An Estimate is Just A Number, Right? Direct download: SPaMCAST_Five_Interview_with_Ian_Brown_on_Estimation.mp3 Category: Estimation -- posted at: 5:52 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 11 March 2007  SPaMCAST Four features an interview with Stasia Iwanicki of the David Consulting Group (www.davidconsultinggroup.com). Stasia can be reach at s.iwanicki@davidconsultinggroup.com. Stasia and host, Tom Cagley, discuss the how the CMMI and Six Sigma interact. The discussion provides information for organization to decide which model makes sense and whether they can be applied at the same time. The discussion touched on the issue of whether a craft or factory model is healthier as a model for an information technology organizations in the 21st century. I believe the topic foreshadows its own mud wrestle in the future. Thoughts? The essay in this cast is titled 'Models, Models Everywhere . . .' The essay challenges you to clearly understand why you are using any model and to evaluate the value. Implementing a model for the sake of model is a loosing proposition. The essay leaves you with the question, 'models, models, everywhere . . . a powerful tool or a straight jacket?' Which is it for you? Next Cast: Future Events On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting When Good Numbers Go Bad at Better Software 2007 in Las Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in Finally remember that Will McKnight will be speaking at SEPG this year March 26 through 29 in
Comments, Rants and Raves?
Direct download: Spamcast_4_Six_Sigma_and_CMMI_-_Friends_or_Foes_.output.mp3 Category: Six Sigma -- posted at: 2:36 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 25 February 2007 The Software Process and Measurement CAST features a wide ranging interview with Capers Jones, founder and Chief Scientist of Software Productivity Research (www.spr.com). As with any discussion with Capers, take out your pencil and paper and get ready to write. One of the great features of a podcast is that that you can hit the pause key and even back up. You will need it, it was a great interview. The essay for this podcast is titled, Measurement Proliferation, Guarding The Peace or Mutually Assured Destruction? The article explores proliferation in depth (measuring the same thing many ways) and breadth (measuring everything). Next Cast Future Events On June 21 at 3 PM I will be presenting When Good Numbers Go Bad at Better Software 2007 in Los Vegas. The conference and workshops run from Monday June 18 though Thursday June 21 at the Venetian in Finally remember that Will McKnight will be speaking at SEPG this year March 26 through 29 in
Comments, Rants and Raves? Direct download: SPaMCAST_Show_3_-_Interview_with_Capers_Jones.mp3 Category: Measurement -- posted at: 1:27 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 11 February 2007 Will's interview includes a wealth of information on implementing PPQA with an organization. The basis for the interview is the presentation he will make at the SEPG 2007 Conference. Will has provided all mentioned documents at www.nextlevelconsultants.com. He has provided a link on the home page:
for SEPG 2007 PPQA Material The direct link is : http://www.nextlevelconsultants.com/ppqa-sepg-assets.htm Show Two's essay, "Keep the Ship of IT Pointed Towards Delivering Value" is a reflection on a lecture I attended by Jared Diamond. His lecture was in support of his book. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed (2005). The ideas in the book concern the anthropology of societies however they are equally relevant to why process improvement programs succeed or fail. Two of the ideas Dr. Diamond put forth on why societies collapse that are instantly germane to SPI programs. Full text can be found at www.tcagley.wordpress.com. SPaMCAST Show Three will feature an interview with Capers Jones and will be post on February 25. Comments or suggestions for SPaMCAST can be sent to spamcastinfo@gmail.com.
Direct download: SPAMCAST_Show_Two_Will_Mcknight_PPQA_Interview_Conculsion.mp3 Category: PPQA -- posted at: 10:15 PM Comments[0] |
Sun, 28 January 2007  Process and Product Qualtiy Assurance is a critcal process area within the CMMI. It is the leading economic indicator of success when assessing whether process change will be successful. Successful implementation requires that you understand your orgnaizations culture. Show One features an interview with Will McKnight (pictured) of Next Level Consultants. Next Level Consultants can be found at: www.nextlevelconsultants.com You can contact Mr. McKnight at info@nextlevelconsultants.com
Comments on the podcast and SPaMcast can be emailed to spamcastinfo@gmail.com. Rough versions of the essay and other working articles can be found at tcagley@wordpress.com <a href="http://www.podcastalley.com/"> My Podcast Alley feed!</a> {pca-66dd681d07991ed3b86a108fd6b15024} Comments[0] |
Wed, 17 January 2007 Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast, SPaMCAST, Show ZERO! Show Zero is being releasing to activate the RSS feeds, iron out the bugs, teach the podcaster the software and to prime your expectations.
The cast will typically follow a format that begins with a commentary or essay followed by an interview and listener comments. The interviews will address the wide range of software process improvement or measurement topics. The list of topics and interviews that are currently scheduled include:
Process and Product Quality Assurance Estimation Software measurement Function Points Other Functional Metrics Outsourcing the Measurement Process
Overall the cast is intended to last approximately 20 – 30 minutes and to be produced every two weeks.
Tom Cagley Comments[0] |
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Software Process and Measurement Cast
Interviews, essays, facts and tips about process improvement and measurement in the Information Technology arena!
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