The work of a software tester on software projects is much like diagnosis doctors do. There is no scope for ambiguity when a doctor diagnoses. Before a doctor reveals his diagnosis, a lot of symptom analysis and mind work goes into it. A doctor has to be very precise in reporting the problems as he diagnoses. […]
“When in doubt, throw it out” is what Peter Clarke says on Stickyminds.com whose company has embarked on a “lean office” initiative. Peter stresses on workplace cleanup by cleaning up junk periodically. Sure, we can be more effective if the physical desk and desktop are cleaner. Things become easy to access leading to greater efficiency. […]
There has been an ongoing debate around on whether a software project manager should be technical. I have worked with project managers who are technical (a part of them is still a developer) and project managers who are non-technical (people who know how to get things done, and not exactly how to do it). However, […]
I am revisiting the topic of project communication again. Earlier, I wrote a post on “Quality of Project Communication” where I also summarized the aspects of effective communication. In software projects, teams spend over 50% of time in communication – communication on project start up, scope, requirements, design, development standards, issues, clarifications, reviews and so on. […]
One of the most difficult portions of executing a software project is the user acceptance phase since a lot of changes in the application are suggested during UAT. Project managers might think "Why can't the stakeholders anticipate these things in requirements phase?" or "We are getting changes even after getting the prototypes approved." Fair. But […]
The following quote by Steve McConnell emphasizes on importance of processes in software projects. Poor quality results from weak process structure. Processes that enable teams to do "right" things first time not only improve the overall effectiveness but also improve the quality. Test results are just a measure of the overall product quality. Testing by itself does not improve software […]
Lack of time is the biggest excuse for anything we are not willing to do. Powerful thought. Recently, one of the team members failed to take an important update from the project manager resulting in a communication gap. "Why din't you take the feedback as a part of our routine practice?", he was asked. "I […]
I was sketching on a blank paper – a book, few pens and a lit candle with slogan “Knowledge is Power”. I posted it on soft board over my desk. Next day, my boss saw the sketch and said, “Knowledge is of no use without actions. Action is more powerful.” Note: A mini saga is a […]
Early start of the project always results in late finish – a lesson I have learnt specially for software projects which heavily depend on ones knowledge and understanding. It pays to spend quality time on understanding the project, the business need, the client and deciding the overall execution approach (externally with client and internally with […]