Software Process Improvement Network
(A-SPIN)
Presentation: Improving Software Development Processes to Deliver Projects That Meet Managed Expectations,
by Stephen Timmons, Covansys
To view Stephen Timmons' July SPIN presentation on "Improving Software Development Processes to Deliver Projects That Meet Managed Expectations" (Acrobat 4.0 document), please click here.
Presentation Overview:
Large sums of money are spent each year by American business and governmental entities developing software that fails to meet customer expectations. Often projects are poorly scoped and planned from the beginning and it gets worse.
This discussion will center on how software development processes can be improved so customer expectations are managed and met. Customers include both the business and technical organizations within an enterprise, as well as outside parties. The Software Engineering Institute's CMM approach will be discussed as a framework.
Topics covered will include:
1. WIIFM (What's In It For Me or Why Should I care??)
2. Key Objectives of Software Development Process Improvement
3. Process Fundamentals
4. Why Consider a Software Process Improvement Initiative
5. Introduction to SEI's CMM Approach
6. How To Get Started including Critical Success Factors
7. Lessons Learned from Attempting Software Process Improvement in Real Life
8. Q&A
About the Speaker:
Mr. Timmons is Director of Covansys' public sector practice for Texas and Oklahoma. He has more than 25 years' experience in Information Technology consulting with both international and national consulting firms. He has developed and had direct P&L responsibility for consulting practices in Texas, developed project management organizations, established a Program Management Office and directly supervised multiple project managers. Additionally, he has personally managed several large-scale application development projects. He has trained consultants in project management, System Development Lifecycle methodologies, quality management and IT process improvement. Past experience also includes Kean Inc., Cap Gemini America, and Andersen Consulting. Mr Timmons earned his BBA from Texas Tech University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Additionally, he has been a speaker on project management to numerous professional groups, and taught an Executive MBA class at the University of Houston.