RTP - Software Process Improvement Network

Negotiating the Defect Minefield to Successfully Deliver a Software Project

Each of us has experienced more than one software project that ended badly. Either the requirements were misunderstood or implemented poorly. Or overall quality targets couldn’t be met because there were simply too many defects. Or the team simply couldn’t decide on priorities and which direction to steer the project.

Many projects fail in their Endgame during testing. Not because of the testing per se, but because of the massive discovery of defects and functional gaps that indicate the true viability of the project. I call this time the Software Endgame and have spent a great deal of time negotiating its challenges through numerous software projects.

This presentation focuses on a set of high level practices and techniques that will help improve your management and steering within the endgame. Providing experienced guidance that will increase the odds of your success and delivery.

5 Things Attendees Will Learn

1. How to create an endgame delivery “map” that directs your release and testing milestones via entry / exit criteria.
2. The importance of release criteria within the endgame and high level rules of thumb for defining them
3. Why a change control mechanism is important and some guidelines for successful change control.
4. Managing defect repairs – where to focus your efforts and scheduling rules of thumb. Also exploring the many options you have for "fixing" defects
5. Endgame team do's and don'ts for managers & leaders