Sheela Balaji's Page

Presentation Deck and Survey It’s common to see an organization (the people in them) focus on building products with as many features as possible and targeting delivery by a specific due date. Yet, often the result…See More

NOTE: we'll start presentations @ 6:15 pm instead of our usual 6:30 pm. Please join us for food, networking, and announcments @ 6:00 pm. Abstracts: Testing to go Faster – Steve NeelyThe Software-As-A-Service model is popular, in part, because it enables fast-paced agility in shipping features to customers. But the Project Management Triangle indicates that moving fast means either costs increase or scope decreases, or quality will suffer. Quality cannot and must not suffer. Testing to the…See More

Abstract:Agile is not just a Software development practice, but a philosophy that has grown out valuing the creativity and inspiration of right-brain thinking. In our left-brain dominated world we aggrandize using systems and controlling behaviors to support a rigorous belief that data and oversight can ensure safety and success of our projects without fail. This mindset can provide some value, but it leaves personal accountability and inspiration on the sidelines for many team members. Agile…See More

Why this specific workshop?That's easy: This is a unique, simulation and exercise based workshop rather than death by PowerPoint. Most attendees notice these differences from other courses they have taken:No boredom: fewer than 50 PowerPoint slides are used during the two days (and most of those are a picture and a few words!)Learn by doing: there are approximately 20 different exercises and simulations used during the workshopHigh knowledge retention: Using accelerated learning techniques the…See More

Presentation Abstract:With the long overdue major changes in the 2011 Scrum Guide, there is a new sheriff in town.  User Stories are out(sort of), and Backlog Grooming is in.  Come find out why Release Planning is out, and Servant Leadership is in.  There are also significant changes to the Product Owner role. We'll cover the major changes, as well as some of the more subtle changes that could have a big impact. Learn how to make the most of the changes and how to transition your team to Scrum…See More

UPDATED ON 12/29/2011PLEASE SEE COMMENT BELOWTentative Agenda: 5:30 pm - 5:55 pm Food and Networking  5:55 pm - 6:05 pm Presenter Introductions6:05 pm - 8:00 pm getKanban Game v3.08:00 pm - 8:15 pm Wrap-up  Presentation Abstract & Learning Outcomes:  How does the simple practice of limiting work-in-progress drive change?  What is a "pull system" and can it be applied to software development?  How do you measure and manage flow of work in your development environment?  We'll explore these…See More