The Software Process and Measurement Cast 408 features our interview with Kupe Kupersmith. Kupe and I discussed the role of the business analyst in today's dynamic environment. It is critical to defining and facilitating the delivery of value. Weighty topics, but we also had a bit of fun. "Kupe" Kupersmith, President, B2T Training, possesses over 18 years of experience in software systems development. He has served as the lead Business Analyst and Project Manager on projects in the energy, television and sports management and marketing industries. Additionally, he serves as a mentor for business analysis professionals. Kupe is the co-author of Business Analysis for Dummies, a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) and a former IIBA® Board Member. Kupe is a requested speaker and has presented at many conferences around the world. Being a trained improvisational comedian, Kupe is sure to make you laugh while you're learning. For a feel for Kupe's view on business analysis topics check out his blog on BA Times. Kupe is a connector and has a goal in life to meet everyone! Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/kupetheba https://www.b2ttraining.com/ Re-Read Saturday News This week we continue our re-read of Kent Beck's XP Explained, Second Edition with a discussion of Chapters 18 and 19. Chapters 18 and 19 provide a view into two very different management philosophies that shaped software development in general and have had a major impact on XP. Chapter 18 discusses Taylorism and scientific management; a management knows best view of the world. Chapter 19 talks about the Toyota Production System, which puts significant power back in the hands of the practitioner to deliver a quality product. Use the link to XP Explained in the show notes when you buy your copy to read along to support both the blog and podcast. Visit the Software Process and Measurement Blog (www.tcagley.wordpress.com) to catch up on past installments of Re-Read Saturday. Next, we are going to read The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Jossey-Bass. This will be a new book for me, therefore, an initial read, not a re-read! Steven Adams suggested the book and it has been on my list for a few years! Click the link (The Five Dysfunctions of a Team), buy a copy and in a few weeks, we will begin to read the book together. Next SPaMCAST In the next Software Process and Measurement Cast, we will feature essay on whether a team is really one or two teams. While the essay is a result of answering a friend's question, the ideas in the essay can be applied when you are building any sort of team. We will also have columns from Jeremy Berriault's QA Corner and Jon M. Quigley' column, "The Alpha-Omega of Product Development." Shameless Ad for my book! Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques 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, for you or your team." Support SPaMCAST by buying the book here. Available in English and Chinese.