Agile (2)
Importance Of Software Testing
Testing is the first step in determining the quality of software. The testing process is an integral part of development and planning. Sooner or...
The Value of a ScrumMaster
I went to ScrumMaster training a few weeks into my first job in an Agile project management environment.
Importance of Software Testing
Despite the fact that the role of software testing may seem insignificant and few of us ever even think about it, this is especially true for people...
The Most Agile Thing You Can Do Is Throw Away Agile
In my career, I've found that there are two types of "agile" software process maps.
Top 5 Ways Executives Destroy Agile Companies
A few months ago, a senior executive of a large company asked me, “With our Agile transformation, how am I going to screw it up?” The question shook...
How to Hack It: 5 Tech Tips to Improve Your Productivity
I have always been interested in the way things work.
Agile Everything
Chaos is a major pain in the ass. Yes, it can be invigorating, challenging, and propel you in your life or career — but I’ll be the first to admit...
Big Data for the Hopelessly Relational
I've been working with relational databases for a long time.
Open Letter to My Future Hire
Are you our next Project Manager hire at Metal Toad? Read this article from VP of Product Victoria Blake to find out.
Evolving With Our Clients: The Great Scrumban Experiment
Identifying the need for change In early 2016, Metal Toad fully adopted Agile Scrum methodology.
What Is DevOps & How to Achieve It
Ever since I had the privilege of attending DevOps Days Portland, I have been
Design as a System
Design needs to be able to adapt and change with the needs of the project. It can get messy and confusing, especially when you begin to introduce CSS.
Notes: An Agile Project Manager’s Critical Asset
The Livesaving Nature of Notes The software industry’s shift to Agile project management methodologies has many of us happily burying the wate
Finding My Thing: Part 1
Coming from a strict design engineering background and working in the realm of manufactured products, I have had a steep learning curve in the tech...
User Story Insights Using Google Sheets
By using Google Sheets as a tool to glean metrics on user stories, Product Owners and Product Managers can increase the probability of project...
Client Escalations - A Chance to Shine
When your client escalates an issue to your organization, it can be very stressful, but it can also be a chance to shine as an organization if the...
The Problem with Scope Creep in an Agile Shop
Scope creep is a huge risk factor to a project going off the rails. It’s also diabolically difficult to measure.
The Sprint Commitment as a Dev Team’s Shield
I was thrilled when I first learned and began applying Agile software development practices. Finally, I was able to get off the painful
The Softer Side of Scrum
Many of the folks reading this blog are already familiar with Agile Software Development (a.k.a. Agile).
For innovative work: Agile is about delighting customers, Waterfall about CYA (Cover Your A**)
For innovative work: Agile is about delighting customers, Waterfall about CYA (Cover Your A**)
Teams Make Their Sprint Commitment
One cornerstone of scrum is the team sprint commitment. A team must make their sprint commitment in order for the business to have faith in the team...
Stand up for Best Practices
To deliver quality products, everyone involved with the development process must be willing to stand up and take a stance against not following best...