Better Software Magazine Articles

Are You Ready?

 A contractor or new employee is about to start work in your department. Have you paved the way for the new arrival to hit the job running? Check out this guide to make sure you've thought of everything.

Michael Bolton's picture Michael Bolton
The Product Champion: Making Sure that Customer, Team, and Business Needs Are Well Represented in the Development Process

Having a close relationship with the customer is always a good idea. But with that relationship comes risks. Most projects could use a knight in shining armor to protect their product's future. Discover how a product champion can help your organization stay focused on the customer without losing sight of the big picture.

Linda Rising's picture Linda Rising
The ROTI Method for Gauging Meeting Effectiveness

When I visit software organizations, I often hear complaints that we spend too much time in meetings. Many people spend a significant portion of each day in meetings. Wouldn't it be great to give some of that time back?

Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
When Should You Start Project Overtime?

Many managers believe that overtime, even extended overtime is a good thing, and will help a project make progress. However, most technical people who try to work more than two weeks of overtime make huge numbers of mistakes. Often, they don't realize the mistakes and have already wasted a lot of time and money.

Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
Are You Lying to Your Customers?

It's important to be honest when dealing with customers, no matter what that honesty entails. You may not always be able to deliver your product on time, but not communicating that truthfully with your customer can be devastating to your business. Dare to tell your customers the truth. They don't like to hear bad news, but they'll appreciate you for giving it to them straight and giving it to them as soon as possible. This article will help motivate you.

Naomi Karten's picture Naomi Karten
Give 'em the Business

Miscommunication is at the heart of most software defects. Being knowledgeable about a company as a whole, and not just about the specs of a particular project, is just one more way to safeguard against failures. Read on as Elisabeth Hendrickson explains the importance of technical people staying informed about business strategies.

Elisabeth Hendrickson's picture Elisabeth Hendrickson
Robert Charette on Risk Management

Risk Management can be divided into three general types: risk management and decision-making, the process and mechanics of IT risk management, and the practice of risk management. In this issue's "Reference Point," Bob Charette recommends some useful resources on risk management.

Robert Charette
Process and Personality

People tend to gravitate toward what they feel comfortable with. This is also true when it's time to choose a testing methodology. Is a particular personality more suited to software testing than another? In this issue's "Technically Speaking," Brian Marick explores this possibility.

Brian Marick
Ready, Aim ... Hire

When is a year of experience not a year of experience? When that experience doesn’t match your needs. Assembling the right mix of people for your software team can have a tremendous impact on productivity and quality. Find out how to discern whether a potential candidate will make the grade.

Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
Knowing the Odds

Want to know what you’re up against before you start? In just one afternoon, you can perform a simple risk analysis for your project. Doing so can ensure that you are better prepared for whatever surprises may lay ahead. Payson Hall teaches you how to do that in this article.

Payson Hall's picture Payson Hall

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