The interview on Show 64 is with Carol Smith.  We discussed the usability.  Usability is a critical component of human facing software.  We discussed the definition of usability, techniques for discovering usability, how to measure it and finally how to test usability.  A powerful interview with a great guest!  

Carol is a regular presenter at conferences, has taught usability courses at the college level and has managed a usability department. She is also the Treasurer and Director of Chapters for the Usability Professionals' Association (UPA) Board of Directors. Carol has a Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction and has over eight years of usability experience.

Carol Smith conducts experience research for clients that are both large and small, government and corporate, in a variety of industries through her company, Midwest Research, LLC. Carol takes the time to understand user's needs and behaviors and then creates tools that convey this information in an easy to understand format. Organizations can then integrate users needs and behaviors directly into their development projects.

Contact information:
Twitter:  carologic
Website:     http://www.mw-research.com/

Tell a friend about the Software Process and Measurement Cast and show them how to subscribe.  Let me know and I will acknowledge you on the next show!  

The essay is the conclusion of “Using Functional Metrics in Agile Estimation”.  The essay explains how to integrate the discipline of functional metrics into agile metrics techniques.  Remember that parts one, two and three were included in SPaMCAST 61, 62 and 63.


Join the SPaMCAST’s community by joining the SPaMCAST Facebook page and get involved!!!!  http://tinyurl.com/62z5el

There are a number of ways to share your thoughts with SPaMCAST:
•    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
•    FACEBOOK!!!! Software Process and Measurement
              http://tinyurl.com/62z5el


Upcoming Speaking Engagements

ITMPI webinar
Process Improvement in a Multi-Model World
September 15, 2009
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time

Model based process improvement typically has centered on a single model or framework as the lynch pin to control software process improvement within an organization. The use of a model or framework is an excellent means of reducing random activity unfortunately one model does not cover the whole organization. Process improvement has matured to a point where the span of control needs to be extended which suggests the use of more than one model (e.g. CMMI, ISO, ITIL and Business Process Re-engineering to name a few). This webinar with Tom Cagley will discuss how to manage process improvement in a complex, multi-model environment.

More information - http://solutions.compaid.com/forms/WebinarB20090915?ProcessType=PreReg

ISMA 4 Conference
Boundaries, Boundaries Everywhere
September 15, 2009
9:00 - 9:45 AM    
     
Identifying applications and project boundaries are critical to accurate and repeatable counts however the rules have a lot of flexibility. The presentation will evaluate a variety of types of applications to evaluate the impact of varied perspectives on application boundaries. The presentation will include at least one hands-on exercise to drive home the impact of boundaries

The ISMA conference will be held this September 13-16, 2009 at the Palmer House Hilton – Chicago, Illinois
More informaton - http://www.IFPUG.org
    

Next Software Process and Measurement Cast:
The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Laura Brandau.  We discussed the role of business analysts including the definition of the role, typical interfaces, benefits and impacts of actually having business analysts and of course how to measure the impact.  Many organizations have Business Analysts those that make the role work focus

The interview on Show 63 is with Paul Byrnes.  We discussed the CMMI, Multiple Models and Process Improvement.  In today’s financial environment it is important to know what drives good change and whether disparate models work well and play well together.  This was one of the basic threads of our conversation.

As an Air Force officer Paul was responsible for managing advanced software technology transition projects at Hanscom AFB, MA. These were typically joint government/industry funded projects aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of DoD software development processes and services.

At the SEI, Paul was the SEI CMM® Based Appraisal (CBA) Project Leader. Responsible for developing all published versions of SCE and the initial CBA IPI method (V0.3). A principal developer of the CMM® Appraisal Framework (CAF). Developed, delivered, and managed teams delivering CMM based appraisal methods and training services.

At ISD, as a founder, principal, Managing Director, and CTO, Paul was the principal architect of ISD’s Comprehensive Appraisal Method (CAM); a draft version was an input method to SCAMPISM V1.1. He was responsible for managing, leading development, and also delivering all standard ISD products for their appraisal, consulting, and training service lines.

Paul is a currently a member of the SCAMPI LA BoK Advisory Board and a member of its High Maturity Working Group. He is currently participating on the Enterprise SPICE Architecture Team and the SCAMPI V1.3 Upgrade Team. Paul was included in the 1995 Who’s Who in the East, the 1998 Who’s Who in Media and Communications, the 1999 Who’s Who in America, and the 2000 Who’s Who in the World.

Contact information:
Email:  pdbyrnes@isd-inc.com
Website:     http://isd-inc.com

Tell a friend about the Software Process and Measurement Cast and show them how to subscribe.  Let me know and I will acknowledge you on the next show!  

The essay is titled “Using Functional Metrics in Agile Estimation Part 3”.  The essay explains how to integrate the discipline of functional metrics into agile metrics techniques.  Remember that parts one and two were included in SPaMCAST 61 and 62.


Join the SPaMCAST’s community by joining the SPaMCAST Facebook page and get involved!!!!  http://tinyurl.com/62z5el

There are a number of ways to share your thoughts with SPaMCAST:
•    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
•    FACEBOOK!!!! Software Process and Measurement
              http://tinyurl.com/62z5el

Next Software Process and Measurement Cast:
The next Software Process and Measurement Cast will feature an interview with Carol Smith on the topic of usability.  We discussed the definition of usability, how recognize it, test it and measure it.  If you develop anything usability ought to be a central part of your practice.