SMS Exemplar

Software as a business enabler

Compared to other professions, software is still a “new kid on the block”. Reliable mechanisms for managing the accumulated knowledge of its short business history are in their infancy, with the result that those engaged in developing, producing and improving software have a tendency to re-invent the wheel. Nevertheless, there is a wealth of tried and tested approaches to software size measurement, estimating, requirements and scope management, and process improvement.

SMS is unique in the depth and breadth of such knowledge it is able to bring to your business needs. Many SMS consultants have contributed to the development of the methods and techniques taught.

In software intensive business systems, knowledge is the new capital.

Endemic loss of know-how is one of the key causes of low performance in softsystems; and low performance is a key cause of loss of knowledge. If your investment in training is to break this vicious circle, the training delivered needs to be effective in transferring knowledge into the organisation. SMS trainers and topic coaches bring the authority of extensive business experience to the training provided. We specialize in training for business managers without an IT background as well as development teams.

Training the Expert Engineering Workforce

Training an expert engineering workforce in methods, tools and techniques requires a set of education and training techniques that collectively provide support over time, to all the relevant audiences. SMS’s training package includes a range of offerings designed to establish and sustain the use of relevant methods, which can be tailored to suit the circumstances of your organisation. Delivery vehicles include formal classroom courses, learning breaks and online training.

Our standard knowledge transfer programmes cover:

• COSMIC Software Sizing Method
• IFPUG 4.3 Function Point Analysis/ Mk II Function Point Analysis
• GQ(I)M
• Estimating techniques including COCOMO.II.2000
• Balanced Scorecard
• CMMI (Development)
• Agile methods
• Agile and CMMI
• Lean & Iterative (Agile) Software Process Improvement

Effective Measurement Programmes

For a whole raft of reasons – good, bad and indifferent – organisations frequently struggle to implement and sustain software measurement programmes that deliver any real value.

SMS has been providing training and support services in measurement-driven software process improvement since 1994, and we observe that the measurement aspect of software process improvement frameworks such as CMMI is frequently the weakest link in the improvement programme. We also observe the effects on performance of poor measurement practice. Apart from the waste this represents, as measurement is crucial to the sustainable ability to improve performance, it also serves as a significant drag on transformational change. It is, therefore, an issue that any organisation seriously addressing enterprise performance must get to grips with.

SMS wants to ensure that our clients do succeed with their adoption, implementation and continued use of software measurement. This is best achieved by the active use of measurement by creative, client-facing staff, using in-line indicators and rapid feedback on process performance to make status and progress visible to all those involved in the value stream.

Senior management review of so-called ‘key performance indicators’ (KPI) can help stimulate use, but all too often these KPI are somehow disconnected from day-to-day practice. This can lead to dysfunctional (wasteful) behaviour – commonly, confusing ‘measurement targets’ with true ‘business goals’.

Tailored training programmes with appropriate on-going support and mentoring are most effective at embedding good measurement practice in the organisational culture.