I am running for the Board again!

A post on Facebook asked the IFPUG BOD candidates:, “What one question if asked of you, would best distinguish you from the other candidates?”  I answered . . .

The question think would distinguish me from the other candidates is: “What are the challenges IFPUG faces in the next few years?” My background has prepared me to help meet the challenges our association. My answer would be . . .

We live in a complex business environment and the challenges IFPUG has to wrestle with are a reflection of that environment. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to open up more opportunities for participation and to find more avenues to deliver value to the membership, among other challenges. These topics are related and complicated. To address these issues we cannot continue to just try to do things better, but rather we need to do things differently. IFPUG must approach the future as entrepreneurs rather than bureaucrats. For example, while the language of IFPUG is English, I think we need to answer how we can address customer service in languages that are more aligned with our membership. The same can be said for the delivery of content such as webinars and newsletters. The Board needs to explore new ideas to address this challenge and others as we mature. 

All is not challenges. IFPUG over the past twelve years (as much IFPUG history as I can remember) has grown. Adding corporate and individual members, we have become more international with members on all continents (except Antarctica). We have introduced new products, such as SNAP, and re-started holding conferences outside of North America. However, that does not mean that we are living up to our potential, there are still hills to climb! 

If re-elected I will continue to apply my voice to championing these issues in as innovative a means as possible. I am both an entrepreneur as well as a change agent. Whether stirring the pot to get the last IFPUG book moving or to agitating to discontinue projects that absorbed resources and volunteers and were not accepted by the members. IFPUG’s volunteers and resources are not infinite and should be direct at delivering value to the membership ACROSS the globe. To continue this journey I need your vote.

Featured Speech Abstract And A Request For Input

I will be a featured speaker at ISMA Cinco. The following is my working abstract, please give it a read and let me know what you think the greatest threats and opportunities for IFPUG Function Points are in your opinion.

Function point counting is the de facto standard for measuring the functional size of software. It is the standard because of the energy of practitioners. The practice of IFPUG Function Points has expanded over nearly the entire world which has injected both energy and diversity of thought. The strong linkage between globalization and practices is a benefit because it is a reflection of the accelerating rate of technological change and globalization. The speech will explore the cutting edge of functional sizing (real new environments), the opportunities of globalization and the potential for the practice of function point counting to change radically in the near future.
Function points in all of the glorious flavors are the premier tool for sizing. Being on top of the heap means we must build an inclusive community. The 21st century to-date has been defined by developing community, in many cases enabled by the web. I would suggest that IFPUG provides the foundation for evolving and expanding the function point community. ISMA Cinco is recognition that IFPUG is an international organization; I would suggest that continued globalization will require that every practitioner consider getting involved. The most critical letter in IFPUG is “u” and even though we have many challenges we have many opportunities and above all we have you, function point users. We will explore how our community can mold the future. The function point community is a reflection of new math in which putting two function point users together equals something more than the sum of the parts but even more importantly putting hundreds of function point users together defies expectations.

Online CFPS Test and Other Thoughts

A quick note, I guess I should rename the blog to Immediate Past IFPUG President. Once I decide how to do that . . . I will.

I finally took the new CFPS test at a Prometric site in Ohio. I had avoided taking the test for a few months however guilt finally overtook me. Lets start with the fact that I passed so take any of my comments through that filter.

Still three sections with the third being a set of case studies. Definitions and implementation questions dominate the first two sections (do not forget to study section 2 – Counting Practices). I would suggest really knowing what the manual says rather than trying to interpret it if you want to pass. I had to use the reference material only once until I went back and checked the answers. Opening the reference material sucks up system time. Make sure they put you on a decent machine or opening anything will be your enemy. Better yet STUDY rather than lean too heavily on the open book aspect.

Talk to your friends about how they approached the Case Study section. I am still not sure I approached it correctly. My advice is to count only what you see not what you think you should see. This means you might have to use not applicable. Wish this section was described better.

Two short comings. First this is an online test. You have to STARE at the screen for 3 hours (I got done in two then spent 30 minutes looking things up and a few putzing around). Take aspirin before you go I had a horrid headache from the screen even though I spend all of my time with a screen of some sort. Secondly, the test used to be a group event. The testing center is quite and you feel very solitary. Find a buddy or buddies to study and take the test with. I think it will make things more comfortable.

Overall the event was ok. Definitely not the horror story some people make it out to be. Getting the result is more fun than waiting. Stop putting it off, take two aspirin and take the test.

PS – LCCC’s site for taking the test is great. Also if you get advice on taking or not taking the exam ask the person whether they actually have taken the test online. There is a lot of misinformation floating around from people that have not visited the “PC of Doom.”

Spring Letter From The President

As many of you are aware we are in the midst of the worst economic conditions in recent memory.  Almost every organization is searching for a path to increased effectiveness and efficiency.   Software measurement is an integral part of the improvement process.  I would suggest that functional metrics in general and IFPUG Function Points specifically, are critical tools for improving effectiveness and efficiency.  Now is time to apply everything you have learned about how work is done in your organization.  Learning you collected by counting and analyzing function points.  IFPUG is here to support you with knowledge, manuals and community.

IFPUG is weathering a storm.  I am nod deluded into thinking that we are unaffected.  Attendance at the annual ISMA conference will be down, membership will be off and maybe certification may fall but the impact will not be as severe as the overall economy.  Why?  Because IFPUG provides a community that few other organizations can provide from groups in Linked In, Facebook to the IFPUG bulletin boards.  There is no barrier to involvement.   Secondly we are an international organization and can draw on membership across the globe for ideas and energy.  IFPUG will grow and evolve for years to come.  IFPUG is a platform for you to grow and you have access to that platform but you need to reach out and get involved.  Stephen Covey said in his seminal book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “Act or be acted upon”.  IFPUG is a tool to help you take control of your career and the environment around you.  Membership and involvement are price of admission.

Where In The World Are the Past Presidents?

IFPUG has had eighteen president since it was founded.  Some of those that have held is august office are still involved.  I would like to reach out to all of them and find out what they are doing and tap into their knowledge.  Can you help?  If you know how to get in touch with any of past presidents that are not in bold please contact me directly or leave a note and I will contact up.  The IFPUG past president are:

Past Presidents

2005-2007 – Mauricio Aguiar

2003-2005 – Mary Bradley

2001-2003 – Scott Goldfarb

2000-2001 – David Garmus

1999-2000 – Gordon Lundquist

1998-1999 – Carol Dekkers

1997-1998 – Michael Roberts

1996-1997 – Paula Jameson

1994-1996 – Frank Mazzucco

1993-1994 – Errol Shim

1992-1993 – Andy Belden

1991-1992 – Craig Scates

1990-1991 – Elly Williamson

1989-1990 – Bob Pickford

1988-1989 – Ben Porter

1987-1988 – Darlene Brown

1986-1987 – Bill Hufschmidt

Letter from the President

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The Large Hadron Collider came on line this morning. The impact of what this incredible piece of science will tell us about how our universe operates is un-measureable. Another dramatic change occurred earlier this year, maybe to slightly less fanfare but impact has the same potential to change the IFPUG world. The Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS) exam went on line. The electronic version of the exam has replaced ALL English language paper exams as of July 2008. Other languages will be added in the near future (Portuguese is next). Just think of it, you are now able to take the CFPS test whenever you want. The You can actually schedule your exam on line 24×7 (http://www.prometric.com/Candidates/default.htm) at your local Prometirc Testing Center. I remember the first time we discussed automating the exam at a Board meeting I attended. There were “nay sayers” who felt the exam could never be automated but everyone agreed it should be researched. The President at the time, Mauricio Aguiar, steadfastly championed the idea (one person can certainly change the world). In the long run, research and facts replaced opinion and the decision was made. The project for automating the exam was taken up by the Certification Committee and progress began immediately. This was the tipping point, the point where the universe (or at least the exam part) of the CFPS began to change. You may have missed the change when it began but it is here now and the world is different. I am almost looking forward to taking the test in the near future.

The incredible effort of the Certification Committee highlights the great strength of IFPUG, the volunteers. I have been impressed at the effectiveness of the committee bringing this project in on time, on budget and with an incredible level of quality. I may sound a bit like a broke record but association are reflection of their members. Don’t be the last person on your block to get involved. Whether the change you are waking up to is the Large Hadron Collider or the automated CFPS exam, remember the world has not ending and we are all far richer for their existence.

Are You Going To Vote In The IFPUG Election?

IFPUG is holding its annual elections for open positions on the Board of Directors (BoD). Five candidates are vying for two spots on the Board, two incumbents and three challengers. All five would make worthy members of the BoD and I am looking forward to working with whoever wins.

The election matters because each candidate has unique beliefs and talents that influence how they pursue IFPUG’s needs. The Board interprets the membership’s need and goals to provide a direction for the organization. The choice of direction is yours, if you vote. I have racked my brain for reasons why all members don’t vote. Perhaps there is a belief that one candidate is the same as another. I will guarantee this is a myth and that each Board member has his or her own opinion. To help dispel this myth, like last year, I offered all candidates 2 -3 minutes of unedited time on my podcast (Software Process and Measurement Cast) to make a campaign statement. Two of the five candidates have taken me up on the offer and those statements will post on 27 August at www.spamcast.net. Another possible reason for not voting is that members might not know they are eligible voting members. If you think you might be a voting member or do not know please contact the office at info@ifpug.org and copy me at tcagley2@oh.rr.com . If there are other reasons why you feel members do not vote post a response at my blog www.ifpugpresident.wordpress.com so we can increase involvement.

Candidate biographies and electronic voting can be found at http://www.ifpug.org/cgi-bin/Auth.cgi

Time is wasting, voting ends on 3 September. Please vote in the Board of Directors election. Let’s raise the bar even higher than last year!

Function Points Exciting?

 

 

I would like to pose a few questions to frame this blog entry.   What drives the level of excitement within a profession?  Why do some professions seem to be dynamic with new ideas flying around?  Why are some professions bastions of intense sharing of ideas and conversations?  What does it mean if these attributes don’t exist in a profession?  What if the people a profession are aging and beginning to retire without replacements already active in the profession (or maybe they are but haven’t been invited to the adults table yet)?

 

The interesting aspect of rivers is that they age then either die or are rejuvenated as the curves are cut off forming oxbow lakes causing the river to straighten and run faster.  I would suggest that function points and IFPUG are in process of learning how to become rejuvenated.  How can IFPUG and the function point analysis community rejuvenate themselves and in doing so recapture the dynamics and interactions of their youths?  Function points are entering a golden age of usage with IFPUG membership expanding worldwide (and membership is probably only represents the tip of the iceberg of those using the methodology).  The part is disappointing that is that at the same time the explosion is not being seen in social medias (eg blogs, instant messengers and podcasts).  Google IFPUG or function points and you will find there are very few mentions of function points on twitter, blogs and podcasts.  The IFPUG bulletin board is active and I am told there are a few private boards that are also active.  I would suggest that there are too few ideas being shared, too few conversations and public debates going on to truly reflect the growth of the function point industry. Where are the blogs twitters and the Podcasts?   It is time for IFPUG members to dive in and become part of the worldwide function point and measurement community by becoming part of the conversation.  Embrace the function points!  Join the conversation; blog, podcast, twitter or post on the bulletin board.  Every voice will add value to community in general and IFPUG specifically!

Its Almost Summer

It June 2008 and there is a lot of action in the IFPUG Universe. The Multiple Media Survey is about to be launched (and may be by the time I post this).  The survey construction has been a massive undertaking by an IFPUG Task Force.  Massive because of the difficult issue that need to be assessed and difficult as the group were focused on keeping the survey absolutely unbiased.  I urge all CFPS’s to respond to the survey when it is released.  Your opinion is needed to frame a clear understanding of current practices.  For many organizations that might be enough of a project to tackle at any one time but not for IFPUG.  The first stage of the CFPS Exam automation moving forward on schedule.  Exam Automation will radically reframe how CFPSs will have access to tests across the world.  Look for communications from the Certification Committee on where and when automated exams will become available. 

 

Other activities include preparation for the ISMA conference and workshops in September (listen to my Podcast, Software Process and Measurement Cast for promotions – www.spamcast.net).  Another activity that is at the top of many members’ minds is the Board of Directors Election.  Two seats on the Board are being contested in this election.  Get involved in the nomination process, find out about the nominees and if you are a voting member PLEASE VOTE! 

 

All of the other committees that I have not mentioned are not vacationing.  There are many, many other projects going on and I will discuss them in future months.  IFPUG is about you, about function points and about metrics as whole.  The “you” component was mentioned first because you are an integral part of the community and IFPUG would be diminished without you.  There is lots of room at the table please join us by getting involved whether on a committee, task force, attending a conference or blogging about function points and IFPUG does not matter.  What matters is that you are involved.

 

Feel free to comment, contact me by email, follow me on Twitter (tcagley) and I am around on most instant messenger clients and SKYPE.  I am here talk to me .

If Attention Is An Asset, Are You Qualified To Manage It?

As measurement professionals we are asked to apply company assets to solve business problems every day or at least we use those tools amuse ourselves.  Pencils, papers, white boards, laptops and . . . information are all system classes of assets that focus attention.  I think we would all recognize these categories as assets and agree they should be managed.  Attention, in its own right, is an asset that requires management and control.  I would suggest that attention might be both this scarcest and least appreciated asset in most organizations.  Tools that can accurately shine the spotlight on issues and/or highlight organizational performance are either loathed or venerated.  It is nearly a truism to say that whoever controls attention will control the organization’s direction.   

Attention is a perishable asset, whether it is appreciated or not, like time it expires never to be seen again.  A well defined, implemented measurement program is a tool to help focus and control attention.  The act of placing anything in the spotlight begins with defining and linking what is measured to what is important to the organization the Certified Software Measurement Specialist’s (CSMS) book of knowledge is a set of tools to help you learn focus your attention on your organization’s attention.  The CSMS certification is a tool that shows you are qualified to manage attention.  Attention is the most important asset and the most perishable?  Are you focused on the attaining your CSMS certification?