Requirements and process improvement

Requirements Management

I have often read that no or little requirements' management is probably the cause for most project failures in software development.

From my point of view, I can say that I have seen requirements management save projects from schedule overruns and keeping project managers away from getting new ulcers... Also, having a controlled change management procedure is at the very heart of it.

Years ago at DC SPIN, I heard a speaker say that he wanted to write a novel where the villian would be the Feature Creep, and the hero would be the dashing Contracting Officer who slew the Feature Creep.

The influence of Potomac Tech Culture

In the course of his presentation at last night’s DC SPIN, Jonathan Addelston joked about how CMM was a sort of Cargo Cult for corporate management. He mimicked how CEO’s talk to each other, “Are you at level three? The new RFP requires level three to bid.”

It’s an entertaining image, but it is also suggestive of the way Greater Washington, DC influences tech. The federal government’s demand for quality, and some demonstration of ability has a ripple effect across the industry.