Tucson Chapter of SPIN

All: If you plan on attending, please e-mail us at AttendMeeting@TucsonSPIN.org so that we can plan the food, beverages and

facilities.

 Date: Thursday evening, November 7th, 2002

 Location: Misys Hospital Systems, 4801 E. Broadway (One block east of Swan on north side of Broadway)

 Guest Speaker: Larry Dyer, Misys Healthcare

 Topic: "Software Metrics - Why Bother?"

Agenda:

 5:45 to 6:15 PM: Refreshments and networking

 6:15 to 6:30 PM: Business and announcements

 6:30 to 8:00 PM: Evening speakers

Topic Abstract:

The use of metrics during software development and maintenance has always been a controversy. The pundits exclaim, "We don't need no stinking

metrics - We know what we're doing and they're just a waste of our valuable time!" and the zealots propose, "Everyone needs to measure everything in

order to objectively and quantitatively understand what is going on!"

Well, there is middle ground. The WRONG set of metrics may actually promote performance that is detrimental to software project success. In

this case, the metrics are not only a waste of time, but they are causing work to be inefficient and ineffective. On the other hand, the CORRECT set

of metrics is aligned with critical business goals and objectives, is as small as possible in order to give you rapid and (hopefully) real-time

insight into possible trouble areas, and is an excellent tool to predict future performance to the end of a project.

This topic will cover the importance of selecting the correct set of metrics and how they are many times selected incorrectly, the correct

metrics selection process, the difference between data <-> measures <-> metrics, tools that will help you select the right metrics, the different

metrics categories, recommended "start up" metrics and other relegated and important issues.

Why is this Important to Me?

 Unless you are Superman or Superwoman, you do not have all of the required time to do all the work you are assigned (either at the individual or team

level). Therefore, of all the things you need to accomplish, how do you prioritize your work? Metrics is just one of the tools that can

significantly help. Your organization is probably collecting most (if not all) of the data anyway, so why no use the data in the most effective

manner?

Presenter: Larry Dyer is a Senior Software Process Engineer with Misys Healthcare Systems. Larry is responsible for implementing Sunquest's

software development lifecycle across and organization of over 200 people involved in all aspects of the software development. He is the Chairman of

their SEPG and primary change agent for the organization. Larry has over 25 years experience in Information Technology, ranging from programming to a

member of senior management. His primary efforts have focused on Strategic & Tactical Business Planning, Organizational Development and Quality

Assurance.

Additional Information: For more information on the Tucson SPIN please visit our web site at http://www.TucsonSPIN.org . To suggest ways we can

improve contact us via e-mail at info@TucsonSPIN.org . The Tucson SPIN meets the first Thursday of each month.

Please forward this Email invitation to friends or coworkers who may be interested. People wanting to be added to the distribution list for future

meeting announcements and/or people with possible topics for future Tucson SPIN meetings may send an email to: AttendMeeting@TucsonSPIN.org .

We welcome and value your attendance and participation. There are no member dues. Food is available at the meeting for a nominal donation.