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Process Improvement

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Gathering Performance Information While Executing Everyday Automated Tests
Feb 25, 2005
When you're building an application, gathering up-to-date performance info as you go along isn't all that easy. Michael Kelly shows how his team combined a spreadsheet with a simple timer mechanism in the automation framework to provide the details for which management was salivating.
Glitch: The Hidden Impact of Faulty Software -- Converging Forces
Sep 13, 2010
Jeff Papows explains that if we continue to allow these technology glitches to fester in our infrastructures, a technology Armageddon could be just around the corner.
Guaranteeing Production Readiness Prior to Deployment
May 31, 2002
Novel concept: Ensuring that a new application system is completely production-ready before it gets deployed. In this article, infrastructure expert Rich Schiesser goes far beyond the typical recommendations of testing and documentation, providing numerous practical tips to guarantee first-time successful deployment of new applications.
Hell No! I Won't Go! - Avoiding Death March Projects
Jan 11, 2002
Pete McBreen says Ed Yourdon is wrong; death-march development projects are not the norm - or at least they shouldn't be.
How to Improve Data Quality
Jul 22, 2005
The time has come to acknowledge that an organization can no longer treat data as a byproduct of their systems. In order to be an effective enterprise, your organization must learn how to optimize the creation and storage of data. This chapter will help you understand where data can go wrong, and how to fix problems when they occur.
How to Monitor Software Process Improvement
Sep 6, 2002
When an improvement program is in full swing, you can use a mini-assessment to get a quick snapshot of the effectiveness of an improvement effort. Use this list of questions, which are based on measurable criteria.
I Know it When I See It: The True Meaning of Quality
Mar 8, 2002
What exactly is quality? Is a reliable old Ford worth as much as a reliable new Lexus? Tom Taormina, business consultant for Dell computers, explains that defining quality can mean the success or failure of your business.
Identifying Bottlenecks and Performance-Tuning SQL Server
Jun 3, 2005
Using built-in performance counters, you can find out whether your SQL server is under stress or performing exceptionally.
Integrating the CMMI and Six Sigma: Strategies
Feb 8, 2008
Here are some strategic approaches to the joint implementation of the CMMI and Six Sigma.
Introducing Continuous Integration as a Way to Improve Software Quality and Reduce Risk
Aug 17, 2007
Continuous Integration rebuilds software whenever a change occurs, which can save you a lot of headaches.
Introduction to CMMI for Acquisition: Guidelines for Improving the Acquisition of Products and Services
Mar 21, 2011
This chapter introduces CMMI for Acquisition (CMMI-ACQ), which enables organizations to avoid or eliminate barriers in the acquisition process through practices and terminology that transcend the interests of individual departments or groups.
Introduction to CMMI for Development: Guidelines for Process Integration and Product Improvement, 3rd Edition
Mar 23, 2011
This chapter introduces CMMI for Development (CMMI-DEV), which consists of best practices that address development activities applied to products and services. It addresses practices that cover the product's lifecycle from conception through delivery and maintenance. The emphasis is on the work necessary to build and maintain the total product.
Introduction to CMMI for Services
Nov 19, 2009
Do you need CMMI? If you have problems such as plans that are made but not necessarily followed; inconsistent expectations and service levels; a crisis atmosphere amidst over-commitments and overruns; and unhappy customers, you should read this chapter to see if CMMI is right for your service business.
Introduction to CMMI for Services: Guidelines for Superior Service, 2nd Edition
Mar 22, 2011
Many service organizations accept common problems as "normal" and they don't try to address them or eliminate them. What about your organization? Are you settling for less? Developing and improving mature service practices is a key contributor to improved performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability. The CMMI for Services (CMMI-SVC) model is designed to begin meeting that need.
Introduction to Process Control and Instrumentation
Apr 18, 2003
Welcome to the world of process control and instrumentation! Discover how to identify and classify possible control objects and variables, assess the importance of process control, sketch a process instrumentation, and much more.
Introduction to Six Sigma for Marketing Processes
May 4, 2006
Six Sigma for Marketing and Six Sigma for Sales are relatively new approaches to enable and sustain growth. They are part of the bright future offered by adapting Six Sigma to the growth arena. The linkage of Six Sigma for Marketing and Six Sigma for Sales tasks and tools to strategic, tactical, and operational processes is where the Six Sigma discipline adds measurable value to marketing and sales team performance. This chapter provides an introduction to the concept of Six Sigma for Marketing.
Introduction to the Art of Scalability
Jun 26, 2015
Michael T. Fisher and Martin L. Abbott introduce their book, The Art of Scalability: Scalable Web Architecture, Processes, and Organizations for the Modern Enterprise, 2nd Edition, which covers everything you need to know to smoothly scale products and services for any requirement.
Is Software Engineering a Good Choice for Your Product?
Feb 8, 2002
In order to understand whether or not software engineering is for you, read Pete McBreen's introduction to software engineering from his book, Software Craftsmanship — his answers might surprise you.
Killing Quality, Squelching Success
Aug 22, 2011
Software engineering pioneer Larry Constantine warns designers and developers about the risks of being too good at what they do and cautions managers to mind the organizational factors that can help kill the best products.
Leading Six Sigma: Launching the Initiative
Dec 20, 2002
Launching Six Sigma is the most important phase — if it is poorly launched it will be very difficult to reorganize and regain momentum. This chapter from "Leading Six Sigma" will help you hit the ground running.

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