Newsgroups: comp.software-eng Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!ispd-newsserver!ism.isc.com!b1!ico!auto-trol!alesha From: alesha@auto-trol.com (Alec Sharp) Subject: Re: bridge building and discipline Message-ID: <1991May15.223719.10256@auto-trol.com> Sender: news@auto-trol.com Nntp-Posting-Host: s7ksys Organization: Auto-trol Technology Corporation References: <1991May9.053311.800@netcom.COM> <4563.282e83ea@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com> Distribution: na Date: Wed, 15 May 1991 22:37:19 GMT > >> The effort to >> collect meaningful metrics data will make it possible to determine if >> individual contributors are not meeting project goals. At what point does the >> "bottom-line" person determine the state and fate of this person. The >> paraphrased statement attributed to Humphrey implies never. This is unreal. > >I think the desire for metrics is an admission by management types >that they really don't know what's going on in their projects. Good >managers are able to tell if the project goals are being met, who's >doing well and who's screwing up without any metrics. Metrics mania >indicates that someone doesn't understand software development and/or >they're desperate to figure out what's causing poor quality or project >failure. The "logical" arguments for metrics and the assurances that >they won't be used for evaluating people are merely persuasive >techniques used to facilitate the establishment of a questionable >practice (just like the ads that tell us how "beef fits into today's >balanced diets.") >-- Why do so many people posting news assume that we are all perfect? Half the software developers out there are below average. Half the managers are below average. I'm sure there are substantial numbers of managers who don't know what's going on in their projects and yes, are desparate to figure out what's causing poor quality. Why penalize them just because they aren't "good" managers? They are what their organizations have, so they may as well use whatever tools and techniques best help them meet the goals of their organizations. Please, let's get away from this elitism in posting and start addressing the "normal" software development process where many of the people are below average and the procedures and tools must be able to address their needs and the needs of their organizations as they struggle to meet quality and schedule goals. Alec... -- ------Any resemblance to the views of Auto-trol is purely coincidental----- Don't Reply - Send mail: alesha%auto-trol@sunpeaks.central.sun.com Alec Sharp Auto-trol Technology Corporation (303) 252-2229 12500 North Washington Street, Denver, CO 80241-2404