In-Depth
Does my process need a face-lift?
- By Buff Colchagoff
- October 1, 2004
Does your organization’s process need an overhaul? Answer the following questions to find out.
1) Does everyone use it?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
2) Does it expect requirements to change, even during coding?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
3) Does it use iterative development?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
4) Do testing activities start early in the life cycle?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
5) Does each iteration have goals and success criteria?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
6) Are changes to requirements and software managed actively?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
7) Are plans made and revisited throughout development?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
Now tally all questions with a “Yes” answer and match your score to the numbers below:
If you scored 5-7: Your process is in fair* shape.
[* While a score of 7 means that you have a process in place, it does not imply that your process is being implemented correctly.]
If you scored 3-4: Your process could use surgery.
If you scored 0-2: Your process needs an extreme makeover.
Please see the following related stories: “Process fortifies software
projects against failure”
by Buff Colchagoff
“What is a best practice?”
by Buff Colchagoff
About the Author
Buff Colchagoff is research director in the office of technology at consulting firm Number Six Software.