28/01/2009 by Simon.

For the last few weeks I have been hearing a wonderful phrase that I first heard a few years ago - “Software Craftsman”.  A new phrase has now become the new buzz - “Clean Code”.  Both of theses phrases are encapsulated in a book by Bob Martin.

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27/01/2009 by Simon.

Hello Everyone

I promise I have not lost my Agile Voice, I’ve just been really busy reading.

So the first thing to say is that myself and the team will be at QCon on March 11-13

http://qconlondon.com/london-2009/conference/

Fancy meeting up to say hello?

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13/01/2009 by Simon.

In my capacity as the Agile Voice I have been asked to speak at the Software Craftsmanship event at the BBC. So the team will be attending and I will be delivering a short piece on a volatile subject in the Agile Community………… How do I find and hire the right Agile people? So please sign up and come and see us. Additionally the Agile Voice will be off to QCon in March to support this event. Due to some new options in their registration area, it means that there is more flexibility in the ways that you can attend. See the Attendee only option on the registration section. Oh and one last point, the Agile Voice is also looking at sponsoring SPA 2009 in Convent Garden, currently awaiting details. Back soon.

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07/01/2009 by Simon.

One of my fellow Agile Bloggers - Kelly Waters has posted this great piece on the Agile Development Principles.

10 Key Principles of Agile Software Development

Agile Software Development is one of the big buzzwords of the software development industry. But what exactly is it? Agile Development is a different way of managing software development projects. 10 Key Principles, and how Agile Development fundamentally differs from a more traditional Waterfall approach to software development, are as follows:

1. Active user involvement is imperative
2. The team must be empowered to make decisions
3. Requirements evolve but the timescale is fixed
4. Capture requirements at a high level; lightweight & visual
5. Develop small, incremental releases and iterate
6. Focus on frequent delivery of products
7. Complete each feature before moving on to the next
8. Apply the 80/20 rule
9. Testing is integrated throughout the project lifecycle – test early and often
10. A collaborative & cooperative approach between all stakeholders is essential 

Maybe this is the type of thinking which will lead us onwards from the Agile Manifesto ? Please let me know your thoughts. 

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06/01/2009 by Simon.

One of the most awkward roles that I come across on a daily basis is that of an Agile Business Analyst. So often people believe that this is simply a Business Analyst who has experienced Agile.

Well, Shane Hastie has posted a really good article on this subject.

Click on the link below and it might clear some of the confusion.

http://www.infoq.com/articles/agile-business-analyst-role

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05/01/2009 by Simon.

On the Jason Gorman theme today.

Jason has put together this event at the BBC.

Software Craftmanship 2009 - BBC Media Village, London - February 26th

It’s refreshing to see these smaller events, with new individuals contributing and running them. I will certainly be trying to attend to support the event.

http://parlezuml.com/softwarecraftsmanship/

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05/01/2009 by Simon.

My mate Jason Gorman recommended a collection of books by Patrick Lencioni.  All I can say is that if your team or business has leadership issues, read this.

The FIVE DYSFUNCTIONS of a TEAM.

I am about to start reading the next book in the series - Death by Meeting.

I’m certainly into my books at the moment so if you can recommend any yourself that would be great.

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02/01/2009 by Simon.

Maybe that’s what Luke Skywalker would have said if he’d been an Agile Specialist.

Seriously, 2009 could be a great year for the serious Agile people out there.

Everyone is talking about money, doom and gloom yet Agile could be the economic saviour for IT.  Move over Mr Brown, the Agile Community could show you a thing or two.

It is my first day back in the hot seat and already roles are coming in.

Back Soon!

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02/01/2009 by Simon.

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