Improving Efficiency Along the Way

As we sang the opening hymn this morning in IP&T 682, I looked around the class and realized that this amazing experience--being counted as equals among this group of enlightened adults all trying to learn from an expert we trust and respect--will come to an end. I foresee a time in which I will look back at these days with great fondness as I remember the individuals in this class and what they have each taught me from their comments, personalities, and examples.

Communicating with Customers

• Not communicating with your customers, the more problems can come about. Our customers are not necessarily the people we're contracted with; they may also be professors or the end users of the project.
• The person you expect to be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) will often take the longest.
• http://customerservicezone.com/cgi-bin/links/jump.cgi?ID=672 - The key to communicating with customers is knowing who they are and what they want.

Controlling Scope Creep

• http://www.ssiembedded.com/scope-creep.html - To control scope creep, use a thorough design document to be sure of the scope of your project.
• Set measurable milestones.
• Set a time schedule for milestones.

Changes in the Environment

• http://www.sedl.org/change/issues/issues54.html - When change comes from the top, we are quick to judge it as less effective.
• http://businessmanagement.suite101.com/article.cfm/change_management_is_one_of_the_toughest_tasks
• Create dissatisfaction with the current situation.
• Show what is achievable by making proposed changes.
• Show what is involved by indicating immediate actions that wills tart the process.

Staying on Schedule

• http://www.gcn.com/Articles/2003/08/07/A-checklist-for-staying-on-schedule.aspx
• Focus on the critical path.
• Recheck your assumptions.
• Eliminate waste.
• Reduce scope.

Lawrence Lessig - Copyrights- every time you download something from the web, you make a copy. :)