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Software Process and Measurement Cast

The Software Process and Measurement Cast provides a forum to explore the varied world of software process improvement and measurement.  The SPaMCast covers topics that deal the challenges how work is done in information technology organizations as they grow and evolve.  The show combines commentaries, interviews and your feedback to serve up ideas, options, opinions, advice and even occasionally facts. 

 

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  2. SPaMCAST 99 - Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs, Pride

SPaMCAST 99 - Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs, Pride

Sep 12, 2010


Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 99!

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. 


The preamble . . .

The Seven Deadly Sins of Metrics Programs:

  • Pride – Believing that a single number / metric is more important than any other factor.
  • Envy – Instituting measures that facilitate the insatiable desire for another team’s people, tools or applications.
  • Wrath – Using measures to create friction between groups or teams.
  • Sloth – Unwillingness to act or care about the measures you create.
  • Greed – Allowing metrics to be used as a tool to game the system for gain.
  • Gluttony – Collecting data for data's sake.
  • Lust (Extravagance) – Pursuit of the number rather than the business goal.

The impact each sin on a metrics program depends on many factors ranging from management style to organizaional culture.  An example can be seen when comparing the belief that one number is more important than all other factors (always) which illustrates the sin of pride compared to the lack of motivation illustrated by sloth.  These are two very different issues with two very different impacts however neither should be sneezed at if you value the long term health of a metrics program.

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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?

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Conferences and Speaking Engagements in 2010 (To Date)

ISMA Cinco in Sao Paulo September 13-15.  I will be one of the featured speakers.  THe title of the presentation is Function Points:  Past, Present and Future.  The website to get more information is http://www.ifpug.org/conferences/  I hope to see you there!

Next!
SPaMCAST 99 will feature an interview with Chris Hefley  Chris and I discussed Kanban.  Paul Laberge asked for an interview on the nuts and bolts of Kanban and I think we have delivered.