Agile teams typically need a critical mass of highly skilled people in order to be a success. If you are trying to transition from a conventional, plan-based approach to project management, you may find previously successful teams do not quite have the right balance of experiences. This post looks at some of the considerations and… Read More »
Technology and software development cycles often talk in terms of “alpha” and “beta”, and live releases. What do these stages mean? And how can they be used to deliver better products and services? Alpha, Beta, and Going Live The alpha/beta terminology for software development was first introduced by IBM, and there are now many interpretations… Read More »
Science and research budgets have been feeling the squeeze since the recession. Could careful use of project management be one way to make most efficient use of these scant resources? Science and project management are not normally a happy mix – but perhaps “Agile” could help scientists manage some projects more efficiently. Project Management And… Read More »
Project management can help ensure that a project is completed successfully within the time and resources available. Not all projects are suited to project management, however, and science is particularly vulnerable to having creativity and innovation stifled by too much management. This post looks at what project management is and when it might be appropriate… Read More »
About a time management technique At the start of the film ‘About a Boy’ starring Hugh Grant, Grant’s character explains how, as a man of leisure, he must be his own activities director. He divides up his day into 30 minute segments and slots his tasks for the day into those segments: a haircut for… Read More »