Just to pass some time recently, I was reading a dictionary (like you do) and I came across the following definitions of architecture: The art and science of designing and superintending the erection of buildings and similar structures A style of building or structure Buildings or structures collectively The structure or design of anyth...

I am working on a project where Development teams are divided into specialized areas called Centers of Competence. For example, one team works on Customer data, another team on Product data and validation, another works with the Shopping Cart, another with Checkout and so on. Requirements are gathered within each of these Centers of Competence and ...

I've been blogging lately about a couple of topics pertaining to 'agile' methods. Along those lines, I wanted to consider one suggested practice that I think is worth reflecting on, that is; the treatment of NFRs (non-functional requirements) as stories. Let's draw back for a moment. Regardless of process approach, be it traditional or agile, po...

This Summer, Gartner produced a research paper entitled "BPA for the Masses: Is it Real?". The paper discusses the increasing popularity of business process modeling tools that can be used by business people. Gartner's position is that the business people have the greatest understanding of their process and can now be equipped with tools that enabl...

The probability that a project will succeed is different for different cost and time targets. There isn't a single right answer to "How long will it take?" or "How much will it cost?" There are a whole bunch of answers, each with its own probability of being right. The conventional techniques for planning projects only give us one answer—and it's ...

I am in charge of a relatively big training effort for a project (approximately 45 live training sessions in 10 weeks, as well as online training opportunities) to assist with the deployment of a new piece of software.  The live training alone will involve over 450 people and will be quite in depth and hands on.  Training often plays a cr...

Hello Everyone! I am new to this community blog, and I am interested in learning more about CBAP certification as it relates to my job search. In brief, I was employed with a company for 14 years before being downsized in a mass complany layoff last year.  Before the layoff, my title over my last 5 years was a Business Systems Analyst.&...

This video offers a great way to manage your task list. Check it out and consider how it can help you stay on top of your work.