- Immediate Risks
- Two Cautionary Tales
- Avoiding the Pitfalls
- A Final Reminder
A Final Reminder
Agile methods won’t result in an ability to ship infinite code in zero time, they won’t create discipline without effort, and they are possible to perform badly. Implemented poorly, Agile methods can leave an organization in worse shape than when it started, with all the same problems, less documentation, and worse architecture.
Implemented well, Agile methods provide working software quickly; they give the customer the ability to change his mind routinely; and, most importantly, by comparing actual to expected delivery, they provide insight into the actual progress of the project.
Knowing the progress of the project makes realistic schedules with realistic end dates actually possible. Adjusting the schedule to reality, on the other hand, takes guts, integrity, courage, and self-discipline.
Welcome to real software management. Buckle up, and get ready for the ride of your career.
Matthew Heusser actively develops working software and also writes and speaks on systems improvement. You can email Matt at Matt.Heusser@gmail.com, or visit his web site, Excelon Development.