SPaMCAST 311 features our essay on backlog grooming. Backlog grooming is an important technique that can be used in any Agile or Lean methodology. At one point , however most practitioners now find the practice useful. The simplest definition of backlog grooming is the preparation of the user stories or requirements to ensure they are ready to be worked on. The act of grooming and preparation can cover a wide range of specific activities and can be performed at any time.

We also have a new installment of Kim Pries’s Software Sensei column.  What is the relationship between the containment of diseases and bad software?  Kim makes the case that the process for dealing both are related.

The Essay begins

Backlog grooming is an important technique that can be used in any Agile or Lean methodology. At one point , however most practitioners now find the practice useful. The simplest definition of backlog grooming is the preparation of the  or  to ensure they are ready to be worked on. The act of grooming and preparation can cover a wide range of specific activities and can be performed at any time (although some times are better than others).

Listen to the rest now!

Next

SPaMCAST 312 features our interview with Alex Neginsky.  Alex is a real practitioner in a real company that has really applied Agile.  Almost everyone finds their own path with Agile.  Alex has not only found his path but has gotten it right and is willing to share!

Upcoming Events

DCG Webinars:

 October 24, 2014 11:230 EDT

Has the adoption of Agile techniques magically erased risk from software projects? Or, have we just changed how we recognize and manage risk?  Or, more frighteningly, by changing the project environment through adopting Agile techniques, have we tricked ourselves into thinking that risk has been abolished?

Upcoming Conferences:

I will be presenting at the Conference October 21st and 22nd in Springfield, MA.

More on all of these great events in the near future! I look forward to seeing all SPaMCAST readers and listeners that attend these great events!

The Software Process and Measurement Cast has a sponsor.

As many you know I do at least one webinar for the  (ITMPI) every year. The ITMPI provides a great service to the IT profession. ITMPI’s mission is to pull together the expertise and educational efforts of the world’s leading IT thought leaders and to create a single online destination where IT practitioners and executives can meet all of their educational and professional development needs. The ITMPI offers a premium membership that gives members unlimited free access to 400 PDU accredited webinar recordings, and waives the PDU processing fees on all live and recorded webinars. The Software Process and Measurement Cast some support if you sign up . All the revenue our sponsorship generates goes for bandwidth, hosting and new cool equipment to create more and better content for you. Support the SPaMCAST and learn from the ITMPI.

Shameless Ad for my book!

 co-authored by Murali Chematuri and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing. We have received unsolicited reviews like the following: “This book will prove that software projects should not be a tedious process, neither for you or your team.” Support SPaMCAST by buying the book .

Available in English and Chinese.