Los Angeles Software Process Improvement Network

Speakers:

Dr. Manny Baker  Karen Owens

Abstract

The Process Database Minefield A common misconception is that a process database does not exist untilCMM Level 4.  Consequently, organizations don't really pay much attentionto it until after a successful Level 3 assessment has been completed. In truth, the elements of that process database begin to emerge even ingoing from Level 1 to Level 2.  If the organization waits until aftersuccessful attainment of Level 3, chances are that there will be a lotof "breakage" in the database development activity.  Many organizationscan count on a number of false starts or dead ends in the development ofthat database.  It's much smarter to plan ahead -- even starting whilethe organization is attempting to achieve Level 2. This talk will address some of the considerations involved in developingthe process database.

Biography

Dr. Manny Baker (erbaker@swengcon.com) is a principalin Process Strategies, Inc., a consulting firm based in Los Angeles andWalpole, ME.  Process Strategies specializes in process improvementconsulting and training.  He has nearly thirty years experience insoftware engineering and has been a self-employed, consulting engineerin the Los Angeles area since 1984.  He is an authorized lead assessorfor the CBA-IPI methodology.  Manny is co-author (with Dr. Ron Kenett)of a recent book on software process improvement, "Software Process Quality:Management and Control", published by Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Abstract

The Changing Face of Peer Reviews  Reviews of software products have been performed in many ways for manyyears.  It started with simple "desk checking" by authors and evolvedinto very formal inspections by teams of individuals.  Over a periodof time, the process for reviewing work products becomes so ingrained inthe corporate culture that it stagnates, with little thought to improvingthe process.  Best practices need to be continually reviewed for applicationwithin each key process area of the Capability Maturity Model.  Thispresentation focuses on the Peer Review process area and provides an exampleof several types of peer reviews.  It describes each type, providesimprovement areas, and shows the benefits of implementing the improvements. Sample forms are included to show how they can be used for combining peerreview metrics.

Biography

Karen Owens (k.owens@ieee.org) is presenting this talk for LeoHoffman, who has taken a consulting assignment in Florida.  Leo preparedthis presentation while he was at Litton Data Systems.  He presentedthis talk at the 12th Software Engineering Process Group (SEPG) Conferencein Seattle.  Karen worked with Leo and others to change and revitalizethe peer review process in preparation for moving to CMM Level 4. She has been instrumental in tailoring and establishing various forms ofpeer reviews in many projects.  She has over 30 years experience indeveloping and managing software development and providing consulting onsoftware processes.  She is now an engineering specialist at The AerospaceCorporation working in software system process areas.

For additional information: http://sunset.usc.edu/Activities/laspin.html

LaDonna Pierce, CSE Administrator, at (213) 740-5703 or via email: ladonna@sunset.usc.edu