Governance happens in projects all the time, and a well thought-out governance process can be a powerful project tool. In this article, we will examine why governance is necessary, where governance is most effective and how we as project and program managers can use governance to powerful effect.
In an attempt to help those of you struggling with Business Process Improvement and Business Process Analysis, our expert presents these “anatomical components” in terms of a series of rules so that you can use them in your efforts.
Standardization is the “copy and paste” method of process development. It’s as bad in spreading process through an organization as “copy and paste” is in code. Copying a working instance may be a good starting point, but it’s a bad destination. Creative work needs attentive thinking, even when deciding to not change the status quo.
In software development, testing is one of the most important functions. But too often, there is a fundamental problem: We aren’t always testing the right things. Where’s the quality? Testing is a relative exercise, not an absolute one.
In this third and final installment, we will look at how agile can be re-contextualized for the business environment at large to transform not only specific projects or processes in an industry, but also entire organizations within that industry to meet the growing demand for faster project turnaround while also achieving higher quality and business value.
Large-scale change of enterprise-level architecture and infrastructure presents a challenge, especially in today's networked world. Enter agile project management. In our concluding installment, we look at successful architecture and design from history, explore the challenges that come with the principles of evolutionary architecture and design--and identify a short list of evolutionary design principles.
Large-scale change of enterprise-level architecture and infrastructure presents a challenge, especially in today's networked world. Enter agile project management and the ideas of refactoring and continuous improvement, which involve creating innovative new solutions for each problem encountered.
Do you use Iteration Zero for your agile projects? An Iteration Zero is an iteration where you set up all the servers, make sure you have a release plan, develop a product backlog and in general do all those things that “assure” you that your project is ready to go. While not a fan, this writer admits there are times when Iteration Zero can help your project or program.
Part 1 of this series discussed the background environment and philosophical divergences that caused agile to establish itself as an alternative to traditional project management. With that background established, it’s now time to start thinking about the where agile is headed and how it will get re-contextualized for the 21st century.
With the steady industry shift away from custom code applications to more commercial software packages and services, IT project management practices are necessarily changing to adapt to the new conditions. Is this a glimpse into what the future holds?
No longer a possible notion, idea or discussion point, the whole cloud concept has been getting considerable traction in mainstream IT operations. But what is up and coming for this technological evolutionary jump, and what will be needed to support it?
Everyone wants improvement. But do you know how to get it? Most people want to do a good job and improve. To do so requires three factors: information, time to reflect and learn, and a desire to improve.
This Testing Tools Evaluation Form details a complete description of the expected level of service and performance to be provided by prospective testing tools.
This template is designed to assist the project manager with creating an RFP that effectively communicates complete requirements for CBT course evaluations, assessments and testing.
Use this quality control checklist to identify all the ingredients of a healthy, flexible and dependable project schedule.
Has your system been properly tested by phase (unit, integration, user acceptance), and do you have the formal sign-off of approval to proceed?
This procedure describes the process of testing software code or products by the test team. It documents the procedure for the entire testing cycle: generating test plans, scheduling tests, conducting tests and reporting test results. This procedure applies to new development, as well as major and minor releases, including customized solutions delivered to customers.
Do you know how to thoroughly and efficiently test the software product you have so painstakingly built? Don't risk delivering a faulty software product due to insufficient or unfocused testing. Use this list to check whether you are testing smart--or just testing!
What is involved in conducting an evaluation test for an application package? Here's a guide for reporting the test requirements, procedures and results.
Defining and measuring software quality attributes is critical to the success of any distributed application, and performance is no exception. Distributed applications must demonstrate performance in order to assure immediacy. Use this project plan to stay on top of your Performance Testing.
The key to any successful testing effort is creating a suitable test environment in which testing can occur.
How to develop a complete testing plan and schedule.
Selecting the right testing tool means you must look at a myriad of factors and how well each candidate tool meets your application's testing requirements. This form will help you evaluate the candidates and select the best testing tool for your app.
Every project should have a quality policy in place. Here's a good place to start.
This Testing Services Review Form outlines major factors to consider when testing software, middleware or Web-based applications.
Get your data warehouse into better shape! Use this matrix to find common errors and fixes for them.
With all that has happened in the world of project management, has the evolution of our industry seen its heyday? Have the major breakthroughs in methods and approaches been made? What about tools? Is there more to come on the technology front that will make what is available today seem antiquated and obsolete? One writer ponders what the next five years may bring us...
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"If you work on a lobster boat, sneaking up behind people and pinching them is probably a joke that gets old real fast." - Jack Handey |
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