let me at them!

I was at a workshop with the business today. I spent over 2 hours presenting material on:
- what we've been doing,
- what we are about to do,
- prioritising coarse grained requirements,
- discussing a particular chunky concept, and
- gathering new requirements.

It was brilliant. I really enjoy these kind of things.

We started getting the business involved in a more agile development way and showing them how great things can be achieved faster and easier than they imagined (or are used to). All it takes is motivated people and the ability/authority to communicate.

As an example, a requirement that was suggested today, should be further analysed and delivered to production within about a month.

I know that according to Mary Poppendieck that cycle time should be improved, but it's the best I can do right now!

The best comment I received today was from a BA on our team said that she thought I would make a great BA. I take that as a compliment as I like to bust the preconceived ideas about what a developer is. (Damn stereotypes)

Report on the Agile and PRINCE2 Meeting

That was a fantastic start to the discussion of this topic.

We had some very experienced PRINCE2 people, including the person who brought PRINCE2 to Australia.

We also had some experienced Agile people there too. (Agile is younger than PRINCE2, and I don't want to start a competition!)

The discussion was very constructive and both parties were interested in seeing why and how they can interact. From the initial conversation, I can't see how with a little tweaking it can't be achieved.

We intend to break into small groups and look at particular issues and spend some time working out how they can be overcome.

I would like to thank Rowan who did most of the organising and Lawrie for coaxing the PRINCE2 guys to come along. Great Stuff!

There is more information on the Agile Canberra Group page at this link.

PRINCE2 and Agile - the meeting

On Wednesday 12th September at 6pm at Wizard Solutions Building in Civic, we will be having a meeting to discuss how PRINCE2 and Agile processes may better interact.

I'm excited by this kind of thing. I really enjoy talking about software development and ways to make it better.

I'm hoping to discuss how a structured project management process, PRINCE2, can interact with a process that is more flexible. We have some very experienced PRINCE2 practitioners and trainers coming along, so it should be great.

I hope that all can walk away with a better understanding of what each is trying to achieve and find ways to work with each other, rather than against.

If you want to come along, then please contact me by commenting on this post and I'll send you the details.

I will post up any exciting outcomes...