Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
As we start to understand that tailoring of processes is something that can be
done on shorter cycles, we begin to see continuous process improvement in a
new light—a light that starts to look more “Agile.”
We a l s o b e g i n t o s e e “ p ro c e s s i m p ro v e m e n t ” i n a m o re
integrated
way with
“product” development, monitoring, and control. This is one reason why at
GEAR I recommended a more integrated approach to process development
and deployment.
9.19 What Business People Can Learn from Golf
Professionals
Many golf professionals start by stepping back away from the ball and visu-
alizing the shot they are about to hit. Then they take their own
uniquely
constructed practice swing (e.g., Chris Demarco), which has been developed
to address specific known repeating weaknesses within their own golf
swings.
If you watch golf professionals on television, you will notice after complet-
ing a swing they often hold their pose continuing to watch the ball until it
stops. They are registering a picture in their mind of the result (gathering the
latest objective data, and conducting an immediate analysis). If it is a good
shot, this will help to reinforce the next swing, as a good memory has been
created. If there was something in the execution of the shot that didn't go as
planned, you will often see the professional take another practice swing right
there after the stroke has been made.
They want to make the correction and register the slight refinement immedi-
ately to reduce the risk of the initiation of any downward cycle in their game.
This is rapid feedback and correction, which are key techniques with Agile
approaches. The short cycles of planning, monitoring, controlling, and feed-
back with Agile approaches are effective “how-to” techniques to achieve the
CMMI practices within the Project Planning (PP), and Project Monitor and
Control (PMC) Process Areas.
LESSON 9
The most effective checkpoints occur in very short cycles and include
all three elements of data collection, analysis, and actions to improve
performance.
