Planning

Better Software Magazine Articles

Measurements that Matter

No one starts a project with the goal of failing, but some metrics experts claim that 80 percent of software metrics initiatives fail. Just as your software project has goals for success, you should have goals for success in your metrics initiatives. Find out what you can do to better your chance for success.

Alan Page's picture Alan Page
Do-It-Yourself

Projects collapse in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. Fortunately there are things you can do to stabilize and rebuild your project before the dust settles. With these expert tips and a little elbow grease, you'll have the tools you'll need to renovate almost any failing project.

Mike Cohn's picture Mike Cohn
You Can Teach an Old PMO Agile Tricks

Every manager has a story to tell. Find out how one management professional tackles a fictional dilemma. The story may be made up, but the solutions are tried and true. In this installment, Michele Sliger tells the tale of the movement of a Program Management Office away from waterfall toward Agile.

Michele Sliger's picture Michele Sliger
Putting a Face on Customer Needs

So what happens when interaction designers are put to work on an Agile process? Meet "Dan Means," a system administrator persona developed to represent and emphasize customer requirements. Find out how one development team used him and other personas to blend interaction design and Agile development to deliver a product the customer really wanted.

David Broschinsky
If the Shoe Doesn't Fit: Agile Requirements For Stepsister Projects

Once upon a time there was an Agile requirements process and an ugly stepsister project. This might sound like the beginning of a fractured fairy tale, but it's a reality for many projects that don't fit the criteria for an efficient, effective requirements process. Language barriers, large teams, and tunnel vision are all things that can turn your project from Cinderella to stepsister. Find out how you can overcome these obstacles and get your team back to "happily ever after."

Jennitta Andrea's picture Jennitta Andrea
Why Agile Projects Don't Thrash

Tension is present on every software project. It comes from the stress of ensuring the software is fit for its purpose, which often leads to multiple changes. Find out why agile projects handle change better than most, and learn three things you can try on your next project to keep change in check.

Ronald E. Jeffries
Stop Listening to Your Users

Just because you have a problem does not mean you are the best person to solve it. In this issue's Technically Speaking, Mike Cohn recommends truly involving users as participants in the process instead of just asking them what they want.

Mike Cohn's picture Mike Cohn
Creative License

Project managers seldom worry about nurturing the creative sides of team members. But if you plan and schedule for creativity the way you do for the more tangible aspects of your software project, you might be pleasantly surprised at the practical results you gain.

Patrick Bailey's picture Patrick Bailey
Divide and Conquer

When taking on a new job or even a new project, the sheer number of tasks can seem overwhelming. Find out how a few stacks and applied prioritization can help you cut through the clutter and clear a path to success.

Douglas Hoffman
Stale Plans Are the Devil's Workshop

Turn to The Last Word, where software professionals who care about quality give you their opinions on hot topics. This month, see why it is important to keep your plans up to date.

Payson Hall's picture Payson Hall

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