From: Titelbaum, Alan Subject: *CAL* FW: **UPCOMING NESQAF MEETING March 2, 1999 and remaining 1999sc hedule Date: Monday, February 22, 1999 4:27 PM NOTICE OF UPCOMING NESQAF MEETING New England Software Quality Assurance Forum Meeting ---------------------------------------------------- Meeting Date: March 2, 1999, 6:30-9:00 PM Refreshments served 6:00-6:30 PM Speaker: Steven R. Rakitin, Principal at Software Quality Consulting TOPIC: Accurate Estimating and Scheduling using the Yellow Sticky Method We have all worked on projects where the end date was given at the start of the project. When project teams are given unrealistic end dates at the start of a project, they are forced to develop the project schedule by "scheduling backwards. Most projects that are "scheduled backwards" miss delivery dates because: * Tasks are frequently estimated based on the time available rather than the time required * Interdependencies between tasks are usually not identified, and * All the unforeseen things that happen on projects (like people leaving, or getting sick, or taking vacation, trade shows etc.) are not factored into the schedule. Working on a project that has an unrealistic schedule can have a negative affect on morale, quality, and result in missed deadlines and unhappy customers. Many organizations have learned how to "schedule forwards" using an incredibly simple technique called the Yellow Sticky Method. In the UK, it's known as the 'Brown Paper Bag Affair'. At our next meeting, we will learn how this simple method works. After a brief presentation, the group will practice the technique by working together on a small "project" that doesn't have anything to do with software. Come prepared to work with your colleagues on this "project" and learn a technique that can help save your company time, money, and improve quality. BIO on the speaker: Steven R. Rakitin has over 25 years experience as a software engineer and software quality manager in a broad range of industries including nuclear power, defense, computers, automated test equipment, telecommunications, medical instrumentation, and electronic design automation. He was one of the authors of the IEEE Standard for Software Quality Assurance Plans (IEEE-STD-730). He has written several papers on the subject of software quality and recently published a book titled: Software Verification & Validation: A Practitioner's Guide. He received a BSEE from Northeastern University and an MSCS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has earned certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) and Quality Auditor (CQA). He is a member of the IEEE Computer Society and the ASQ. He is on the Editorial Review Board for the new journal titled; "Software Quality Professional" published by ASQ. As Principal at Software Quality Consulting, he helps clients deliver Quality Software On Time. Further info can be found at http://www.swqual.com Our remaining 1999 Schedule is as follow: April 6, 1999 Speaker: TBD May 4, 1999 Speaker: TBD June 8, 1999 Speaker: TBD Location: Lotus Development Corporation, One Rogers Street Building, Cambridge, Massachusetts It is the One Rogers Street Building across from the Cambridgeside Galleria Mall. Free parking in the One Rogers Street garage. Dial (617)693-4732 for directions. Call Alan (617) 856-2467 for more information about NESQAF.