I have just published the first few chapters of my draft novel Rolling Rocks Downhill.
The purpose of the book is to help people – customers, managers, workers (and even their families) – who work on traditionally managed software development projects to find a better way.
My primary audience is those people I’ve just listed – the unconverted.
I expect that initially I’ll be preaching to the converted.
My intentions
- Paint a realistic picture of just how ugly and dysfunctional most software development projects are. It really is just like pushing rocks uphill.
- Show that it’s not the fault of the people working on the projects.
- Show that it is the fault of dysfunctional systems – in particular, the ugly and dysfunctional waterfall SDLC and critical path approach.
- Gradually introduce a “better way” which is a healthy combination of Lean, Agile, TOC, and other (you’ll have to wait and see). I want to teach them how to roll rocks downhill.
- Demonstrate the use of TOC tools.
My intention is not to explain HOW to do agile … because, I’ve never actually done agile. I’m a frustrated agilist.
I’ll release more every few days or weeks. I’ve got plenty more up my sleeve.
I’d love to hear comments. Please email me [clarke.ching at gmail dot com] or join the yahoo group.
