I started reading Bas De Baar’s book today, “Suprise! Now You’re a Software Project Manager!” Bas is a fellow contributor over at PMLC, and after hearing his interviews on Controlling Chaos and The PM Podcast, I had to pick this one up.
In the introduction, Bas touches on many key points that I could relate to, and some that I am not sure about yet. Bas makes several references early on regarding how important it is to focus on the stakeholders in any project. He discusses the relationship and progression of interests, expectations, and requirements (which he terms “The Flow of Stakes”. I found this part very interesting as my last post was about soliciting good requirements, and a project I am involved with right now is having some issues creating great requirements.
He also touches on the delineation between project management and software development. This piqued my interest as I currently work on many small software development projects in which I am one of or the sole developer, in addition to managing stakeholder requirements and simplified project management. As I mentioned in my interview with Cornelius on The PM Podcast, once I started applying formal project management methods to my projects, my productivity increased dramatically. I can see the parallel with what Bas is asserting, because essentially I just split my software developer role into 2 roles. Now I am a project manager AND a software developer, even though I’m in the same job as before. By forcing myself to separate the two roles, I have become more proficient at both. I understand my expectations for each role better, and can focus on one mode of thought at a time instead of trying to both functions at once. (If anyone is wondering, I am not schizophrenic, I have just admitted the duality of my job and confronted it!)
Bas provides simple, elegant figures throughout the first chapter to illustrate his discussions. These are very helpful in understanding him fully. If the introduction is any indication, this should be a good read. I’ll keep you posted!
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Josh,
Caught your Podcast with Cornelius last week regarding the topic of the BS/MBA and PM. As both a recent MBA grad and certified PMP, I can relate to your insights! Great podcast, sir! Hats off!
Good luck on your degree and MBA!
Krik
Josh, Caught your Podcast with Cornelius last week regarding the topic of the BS/MBA and PM. As both a recent MBA grad and certified PMP, I can relate to your insights! Great podcast, sir! Hats off! Good luck on your degree and MBA! Krik
Thank you Krik! Congrats on your recent MBA attainment!
Thank you Krik! Congrats on your recent MBA attainment!
Bas has done a 15 minute video introduction to his book and posted it to youtube. It’s entertaining to wathc. You can view it here
Bas has done a 15 minute video introduction to his book and posted it to youtube. It’s entertaining to wathc. You can view it here
Great link Craig! Thank you!
Great link Craig! Thank you!
Infogenium Software has recently posted a pre-release version of EdgeRM, a requirements management tool targeted at small development teams like yours. If you are interested in an intuitive tool for organizing your development, check out http://infogenium.typepad.com .
Infogenium Software has recently posted a pre-release version of EdgeRM, a requirements management tool targeted at small development teams like yours. If you are interested in an intuitive tool for organizing your development, check out http://infogenium.typepad.com .
Hi Josh,
Been following your updates on Twitter.com for a while. My last big project was at Google in Mountain View CA headquarters, performing a role as senior technical project manager for their massive live broadcast tv stage and video-conferencing / post-production infrastructure upgrade.
The project had a few challenges with third-party coordination for internal wire-pulls and cable-ladder contract deliverables, but what a beautiful finish, with praise from the V.P.’s down through the studio operators and editors. Google produces a ton of internal video each week.
Now, being between large projects due to capital expenditure reductions, I find myself creating domains and on-line properties to supplement the unemployment checks.
Thanks for your focused, professional information. It is timely as I prepare for the turnaround sure to follow in 2009.
Respectfully,
Nicholas Chase
Twitter/nachase
http://donotreadthisblogunless.blogspot.com/
Hi Josh,
Been following your updates on Twitter.com for a while. My last big project was at Google in Mountain View CA headquarters, performing a role as senior technical project manager for their massive live broadcast tv stage and video-conferencing / post-production infrastructure upgrade.
The project had a few challenges with third-party coordination for internal wire-pulls and cable-ladder contract deliverables, but what a beautiful finish, with praise from the V.P.’s down through the studio operators and editors. Google produces a ton of internal video each week.
Now, being between large projects due to capital expenditure reductions, I find myself creating domains and on-line properties to supplement the unemployment checks.
Thanks for your focused, professional information. It is timely as I prepare for the turnaround sure to follow in 2009.
Respectfully,
Nicholas Chase
Twitter/nachase
http://donotreadthisblogunless.blogspot.com/
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