Chicago Software Process Improvement Network

AT&T Center Campus

AT&T Institute - Atrium & Auditorium (Room 129)
Lakewood Blvd and Eagle Way, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Be sure to check the C-SPIN website (http://www.c-spin.net/) to confirm details.
(See directions and parking information near the end of announcement)

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Networking 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Atrium Program 7:00 - 8:30 PM - Auditorium (Room 129)

Program: Is the World (Really) Flat? -- Measurement Insights from Around the World

Presenter: Michael Mah,

Managing Partner, QSM Associates Inc.

Abstract

In “The World Is Flat,” author Thomas Friedman describes how a “connected” world has made it possible to do almost anything collaboratively with people around the planet. This globalization has driven companies to not only to distribute low-wage manufacturing around the world, but also high-end design and knowledge work as well, like software development.

But is the world really flat when it comes to creating and designing software? Labor rates are but one dimension of outsourcing. What does a worldwide database of actual completed projects show compared to what people expect? Do apparent cost savings reflect similar outcomes for time-to-market and quality? Are companies satisfied with their ability to achieve all of their outsourcing goals? Do companies that have already outsourced intend to stay the course or switch? What are some of the implications of Agile development and outsourcing?

This talk will answer these and other important issues that senior executives need to consider when evaluating their options, using benchmark statistics compiled by recent research of several hundred companies that have made outsourcing a part of their global development strategy.

About the Presenter

Michael Mah is a contributing author of "IT Measurement, Advice from the Experts", Prentice Hall ©2003, and an in-progress work entitled, "Optimal Friction, People Dynamics at Work in the Information Age.” (His blog is at www.optimalfriction.com) Michael is a senior consultant with the Cutter Consortium, where he is director of the Measurement and Benchmarking Practice and senior consultant for the Sourcing & Vendor Relationships Advisory. He is also the managing partner of QSM Associates Inc. in Pittsfield, MA USA, a firm specializing in software metrics and project estimation (http://www.qsma.com).

Michael's work merges concepts in benchmarking with negotiation for IT Outsourcing and Relationship Management. Michael's particular interest is in people dynamics and the complex interactions involved in global software development. He is a featured industry speaker and writer on outsourcing and software productivity at events such as the Carnegie Mellon SEI Conference, the Cutter Summit series, the Better Software Conference, the TPI Outsourcing Conferences, and the Sourcing Interests Group (SIG). He has worked with a wide range of international clients such as Rockwell, Intel, HP, JPMorganChase, BellSouth/AT&T, and others.

He has a degree in electrical engineering from Tufts University with a focus on electromagnetic physics and Far Eastern history. He is trained in mediation and conflict resolution from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

Driving and Parking Directions

From I-90 Northwest Tollway, exit North on Barrington Road. Take Barrington Road to Lakewood Blvd (2nd light) and turn East (right) onto Lakewood Blvd. Turn right into the AT&T Campus Center’s West Employee Entrance (the first entrance past Eagle Way) and follow the signs to the West Parking Structures.

Parking is available in upper level parking lot W1 or covered lot W2. Look for parking spaces towards the west end of the parking structures. The Institute Building, located across the road (west of the parking structures), is approximately a 3-5 minute walk from the parking structure. Visit http://www.c-spin.net for a map of the AT&T Campus Center.

Future Program: Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, 2007 at the AT&T Institute – Atrium & Auditorium

Program: Right Requirements, Right Now - Strategies for Successful Software Projects

Presenter: Scott Stribrny is the Co-founder, President, and Managing Director of Group Atlantic, Inc.

NOTE: C-SPIN programs are free, but we ask that you PRE-register for the November event!! Watch for details.

About C-SPIN

C-SPIN is made possible through the efforts of its Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is composed of, Alan Berow, Kathy Brown, Steve Coffman, Susan Davidowski, Donna Miller, Steve Huck, and Robert Stalzer.

C-SPIN is a leadership forum for the free and open exchange of software process improvement experiences and practical ideas. We promote achieving higher levels of process maturity, software quality, and mutual respect. Companies, academic institutions, government organizations and individuals are invited.

For more information regarding this meeting, contact Kathy Brown at klbrown@mosaicinc.com. For information about C-SPIN or the steering committee, contact Robert Stalzer at cspin@coderelay.com.

To receive future announcements electronically, register your e-mail address (include name, personal email address, company, and phone number) http://c-spin.net/newsletter/.