Topic:        

 Applying Agile Practices to Improve Software Quality

 Abstract:

Increased frustration with failed software projects coupled with the need to keep up with rapidly changing business needs is driving software development organizations to revisit the way they go about building software.  Agile development has emerged as one possible solution to the woes of the software industry.  Agile enthusiasts claim significant increases in the quality of their software while detractors cite instances where rapid development and loose structure lead to decreases in quality.  This happens because not all ‘agile’ is created equally.  Some agile practices are more likely, when implemented correctly, to impact quality than others.  This article discusses specific agile practices which have been proven to have a positive impact on quality and offers practical advice about how best to implement them to maximize their impact on quality. 

Biography:

 Arlene F. Minkiewicz leads the Cost Research Department as Chief Scientist at PRICE Systems. She is responsible for the research and analysis necessary to keep the suite of PRICE Estimating products responsive to current cost trends. She works with industry leaders to collect and maintain cost research data and offers analyses of this data to the cost estimating community through the PRICE products. Arlene's most recent accomplishments include the development of a catalog of cost estimating relationships for hardware and systems projects to be delivered to the cost estimating community as part of the TruePlanning suite. Her recent research into cost challenges of Systems of Systems has been published in Crosstalk (May 2006) and has resulted in an invitation to participate with the Software Intensive Systems Acquisition Improvement Group. Arlene frequently publishes articles on estimation and measurement in publications such as Software Development Magazine and Crosstalk. She has also been a contributing author for books on software measurement and activity based budgeting. She speaks frequently on these topics at conference such as STC, ISPA, SCEA, IEEE Aerospace Conference, and SEPG. Her papers have been recognized by ISPA and SCEA as the Best Papers in the Software track in 2004 and 2006.

Agenda:

5:45    Networking
6:15    Introductions
6:20    SPIN News, Updates
6:25    Presentation
7:05    Networking Update

7:10    Break, Refreshments and more Networking

7:25    Next Month's Topic 
7:30    Part 2 of Tonight's Topic
8:15    Q & A
8:30    Wrap-up & conclude meeting

 For More Event Details go to www.NJSPIN.org

Raffle:

Systems Cost Engineering [Hardcover]

Dale Shermon (Author)