Scrum Reference Card
June 6, 2007
Ran across a useful (and free) quick reference PDF for the Scrum Agile method for managing software projects.Scrum has really gained some momentum over the last few years, perhaps in part from the now ubiqiutous certification program (Certified Scrum... Read more...
Agile Variations for Distributed Software Teams
May 24, 2007
So you've read the latest article or book on Agile methods, and go forth eagerly to implement them in your organization.One little problem: your team is distributed, but all of the books you've read mention something about "co-location". That's another... Read more...
Agile Variations for Distributed Software Teams
May 24, 2007
So you've read the latest article or book on Agile methods, and go forth eagerly to implement them in your organization.One little problem: your team is distributed, but all of the books you've read mention something about "co-location". That's another... Read more...
Agile Project Management and Competitive Advantage
April 16, 2007
I wrote earlier about what I consider to be the core of why Agile methods work - small wins and increasing momemtum.Now I'd like to offer a rationale for why anyone managing a software project should at least consider using an Agile approach for managing... Read more...
Is Your Software Team Sticky?
March 20, 2007
One of the most challenging things on a software project is making sure that the core ideas and vision of the system are well understood by all of the team members.Without that shared vision, the team is likely to pull in different directions, even with... Read more...
Small Wins: Agile Psychology
March 6, 2007
There are many theories as to why Agile methods work.I'd like to suggest that a very small core element is responsible for much of the energy and ultimately the success of Agile development projects:Small wins create momentum. Continous small wins create... Read more...
Managing Distributed Software Teams
February 17, 2007
There seems to be a growing trend towards distributed software development.Maybe it's just me, but lately everyone I talk to is working on a software project with developers and customers in different parts of the country or the world.In particular, there... Read more...
Distributed Agile Teams in Action
February 2, 2007
Apparently there are quite a few Agile distributed teams doing quite well.I just got back from the Agile Open Northwest conference in Portland, Oregon. It was an Open Space event, so there were no pre-planned sessions or speakers, but it turned out to... Read more...
Open Space Conferences - Self Organization In Action
January 29, 2007
I'm going to my first Open Space conference - the Agile Open Northwest Conference in Portland, Oregon.As I understand it, the idea with Open Space events is to let the attendees self-organize the sessions and topics by voting with their feet.So if I wanted... Read more...
Agile Project Metrics In One Easy Step
January 13, 2007
So you've got the bright idea that you need to measure your software project productivity. Or maybe it was your bosses idea.But what to measure? Remember that whatever you choose to focus on, your team will take seriously, and shift their behavior to... Read more...