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Managing the End Game: Avoiding End-of-Project Complications by putting the Test Team in Charge Experiencing end-of-project woes? Read how one test team guided the work at the end of a project by establishing daily goals to meet weekly objectives; by grading the product with a two-tiered approach; and by posting frequent status reports.
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A Study in Failures Examples of mistakes, manifestations, and problems help us understand all parts of the software. Brian Marick suggests Web resources that examine software failures.
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Getting the Most Out of Conferences Will the benefits of attending, learning, and networking at a conference outweigh the costs of travel, time, and energy? Here are some tips on how to get the most out of conferences.
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Finding a Mentor Perhaps you've just changed careers and are looking for a leg up in your new chosen field. Perhaps you're an old pro wondering how to take your career to the next level. No matter how long you've been doing what you do, it's always good to have someone by your side to help move your career forward–a mentor. Elisabeth Hendrickson describes what qualities to look for in a mentor.
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Asking the Right Questions and Asking Them Right Naomi Karten shares how to ask the questions that ensure you and your customer are on the same page. Her tips include: 1) guard against conflicting interpretations; 2) don't jump to conclusions; 3) gather feedback early and often; 4) examine your rules for commenting; 5) conduct congruent questioning; and 6) find out what's important to your customers.
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What Do They Pay You to Do? Don't assume that because you have a title or a job description that you can take either one as literal truth. Do you really know what your company pays you to do? Understanding why you were hired can help you assess whether your company's expectations are a match with the personal mission that motivates you.
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Facing Up to the Truth Technical Editor Esther Derby uses examples to show that our ability to "face the truth" and take effective action rests on the ability to be in a mental state where our emotions and fears aren't in control.
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Tactical Project Management at a Startup Ulla Merz explains the role of a project manager at a startup company. She addresses topics such as requirements definition and project schedule; project status meetings; and establishing a change control board.
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At What Cost? The phrase "Internet Time" connotes urgency. But Technical Editor Esther Derby urges readers to think beyond the fast pace of Internet development, and consider the true costs and benefits of making the deadline.
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Checking out of the Burnout Ward Stefan Jaskiel helps you recognize the signs of job burnout (complacency, difficulty focusing, careless attitude, and helplessness), and offers some strategic interventions.
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