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To mature software engineering, we must learn from history, and to learn from history, we must define what we do when we develop software and how we do it. When we produce a process specification and define measures for the key process parameters, we are beginning to build the basis for reliably and consistently recording and learning from history. That is why the pr… Continue

The transition from waterfall to agile software development requires careful planning, collaboration and change management. When implemented correctly, the agile model can result in your project team accelerating production efforts and working more cohesively.

In her recent article… Continue

Today, there are a number of useful process improvement techniques available for organizations to use and implement. These include CMMI, ISO series, Baldridge, Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Toyota Production System and many others. However, despite the clear benefits that a process improvement program can provide to companies, many organizations simply have difficulties when it comes to implementing and sustaining a process improvement program in an effective manner. There are some… Continue

A project manager can assign numbers to productive hours, headcounts, and quality, but how does one factor in hidden costs, such as trainings, project changes, and communication, among others?

The most common argument for outsourcing is cost-savings. And in the face of a challenging economic climate, cost figures largely in the decision for outsourcing IT projects and business processes. While cost-effectiveness is a huge deciding factor for offshoring, cheaper labor and service rates sh… Continue

Bare-bones hardware and software, and all things virtual dictate the game of computing in a slow economy.

A recent advertisement by Microsoft caused a stir among the Mac-loving community of tech workers. The ad shows a flame-haired Lauren looking for a 17-inch laptop for under $1,000. The challenge is that if she finds one that meets her specifications, she gets to keep the laptop and the change from the $1,000. And so she first goes to a Mac store where the only thing that falls within her bud… Continue