Comments on: How long does it take to make software? And how long should it take! http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/ Coffee Sessions for the Industry! Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:27:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Nash http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/comment-page-1/#comment-10908 Nash Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:49:48 +0000 http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/#comment-10908 <blockquote>Before you’ve had time to think it through, you say 15 days. Your boss will think, okay… if he can do it in 15, he can do it in 10 and goes and commits 6 days to the client.</blockquote> Doesn't seem like a case of bad estimation; sounds like a case of having an asshole for a boss. It doesn't matter what your estimation methodology is; if your bass is an ass and reduces the given estimate by a 3rd; he's screwing the company. Any decent engineer should put his foot down and say "No, I said 15 days. This project is not doable." Secondly, you may be committed to a timeline you have given but even the best plans can get broken real quick. General Eisenhower famously said "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." If something has changed or if you can't meet with your plans; be honest and forthcoming with the customer. Explain them what can't be met on time and why. Give them the updated timelines. People like honesty over bullshit any day. And finally, CMM is a horrible standard that keeps your eye off the real ball. If you want people to respect you; it should be for your work which should speak for itself. Not by some stamp on you saying "Hello, I'm dave, CMM Level 5"

Before you’ve had time to think it through, you say 15 days. Your boss will think, okay… if he can do it in 15, he can do it in 10 and goes and commits 6 days to the client.

Doesn’t seem like a case of bad estimation; sounds like a case of having an asshole for a boss. It doesn’t matter what your estimation methodology is; if your bass is an ass and reduces the given estimate by a 3rd; he’s screwing the company.

Any decent engineer should put his foot down and say “No, I said 15 days. This project is not doable.”

Secondly, you may be committed to a timeline you have given but even the best plans can get broken real quick. General Eisenhower famously said

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

If something has changed or if you can’t meet with your plans; be honest and forthcoming with the customer. Explain them what can’t be met on time and why. Give them the updated timelines. People like honesty over bullshit any day.

And finally, CMM is a horrible standard that keeps your eye off the real ball. If you want people to respect you; it should be for your work which should speak for itself. Not by some stamp on you saying “Hello, I’m dave, CMM Level 5″

]]> By: Arfeen http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/comment-page-1/#comment-10894 Arfeen Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:16:40 +0000 http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/#comment-10894 haha .. that old method sounds so familiar ..... I once worked for manager that would always cut down my estimates in order to make us work harder ... it was just sooo maddening !!!! haha .. that old method sounds so familiar ….. I once worked for manager that would always cut down my estimates in order to make us work harder … it was just sooo maddening !!!!

]]> By: How long does it take to make software! « Usman’s Weblog http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/comment-page-1/#comment-10889 How long does it take to make software! « Usman’s Weblog Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:53:54 +0000 http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/#comment-10889 [...] [via Green & White] [...] [...] [via Green &amp; White] [...]

]]> By: not my cuppatea http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/comment-page-1/#comment-10887 not my cuppatea Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:49:07 +0000 http://greenwhite.org/2008/04/26/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-software-and-how-long-should-it-take/#comment-10887 You can also make it a rule to always always add phrases like 'x to y days which may vary with the exact requirements' even when giving out a rough estimate to your boss verbally. Lets face it, we DO have to make decisions in 5 minutes and commit to over-zelaous deadline at times which might run your company for the next 2-3 years. Assuming you are a/the PM, if your boss is setting out a unrealistic deadline, add 'talk to boss' to your TODO list. You can push him for establishing and following proper processes for at least the major SE phases. If that doesn't work, add 'look for a better job' to your list. Any company with such a boss wont survive for long. My 1.29 PKR (at the going exchange rate) You can also make it a rule to always always add phrases like ‘x to y days which may vary with the exact requirements’ even when giving out a rough estimate to your boss verbally. Lets face it, we DO have to make decisions in 5 minutes and commit to over-zelaous deadline at times which might run your company for the next 2-3 years.

Assuming you are a/the PM, if your boss is setting out a unrealistic deadline, add ‘talk to boss’ to your TODO list. You can push him for establishing and following proper processes for at least the major SE phases. If that doesn’t work, add ‘look for a better job’ to your list. Any company with such a boss wont survive for long.

My 1.29 PKR (at the going exchange rate)

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