program selection system

Getting a build system right can set the tone of development for years, and yet teams constantly re-invent wheel over and over. The application of a few key tools, such as Maven and Continuum in a sane ecosystem can provide a solid base for project growth and developer sanity, and can encourage the mature use of Agile practices and processes. Well designed automation of building, testing, and reporting can provide invaluable developer ease and fast feedback to developers and and other stakeholders.

Organizational change is hard, and often teams attempt to implement Agile practices and processes without management support. While a key factor in the success of Agile efforts is adequate process support from senior levels, often agile practices and processes can be used at the grass roots level to improve the culture, which can lead to management buy-in.

Most Systems Analysis and Design textbooks and courses are based on traditional (and heavy) methods, tools and processes. I encourage students to apply basic concepts to solve a business problem of their choice and customize the tools they have learned to fit their unique project. For example, all students start their modelling processes by applying the basic concepts of events and entities.

__The Agile movement has largely ignored the experiences of CTOs and senior leaders in an Agile enterprise. In this session, we move toward a pattern language of CTO-level Agile practices and underlying principles, with supporting or constraining forces. Presenters will explain survey data and a CTO panel will contribute their stories.

“This Agile stuff sounds like what I’ve always done. It’s just been re-packaged and given a special name.” I shudder when I hear this sentiment, because I’ve observed that when people think it’s the same old thing, they’ll continue to do things the same old way. “We’re Agile” becomes the punch line for many process deficiencies. Yes, Agile practices do sound familiar. However, in reality the individual practices are subtly different; the collection of practices create a profoundly different experience.

Concept: Work like you’re producing a live weekly TV variety show.