Presentation: "Product Development in the Land of the Free"

Time: Thursday 15:00 - 16:00

Location: Henry Moore Room

Abstract:

Creating and sustaining a 'system' for effective product development is neither easy nor commonplace. If we were to pull together the lessons we've learned from eXtreme Programming and Scrum with systems approaches such as Lean Thinking and the Theory of Constraints to build such a 'system' what would it look like? Where would we start? How would we organize ourselves? And what would be our approach?

The fact that so many information technology projects are still failing tells us that we should be doing something very different. This session will explore some of the things we've been doing beyond the agile comfort zone to improve the effectiveness and throughput of product development and realize business agility.

Keywords: Lean, agile, toc, systems thinking, process, organization, culture, business agility, product development

Target Audience: All who take part in software product development and delivery, business and technical people alike.

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Gus Power, Co-founder of EnergizedWork

 Gus  Power

Gus Power is a hairy force of nature who's always looking for better ways to figure out what the right stuff is and how do get it done. He's full of stories, usually involving trains, and likes to punctuate his day pomodoro-style while listening to soma.fm. He sees software development as part of a bigger picture that involves both humans and electrons and is passionate about creating and sustaining a working environment in which people can be successful. Some folks wonder why he always dressed in black.

Simon Baker, Co-founder of the Energized Work Conspiracy

 Simon  Baker

Simon is an enlightened renegade and incorrigible fun-monger whose resolute attitude to craftsmanship and quality, relentless focus on what's important and ability to create exciting working conditions is changing the way people produce software. Since 1992, following a degree in Electronic Engineering, he has been delivering software in the Internet, media, retail, financial services and banking sectors. With a perennially inquisitive nature he questions conventional thinking, and with innate courage and acuity he’s developed an instinct for doing the right thing and getting stuff done. He’s an altruist and his raw energy and desire to work with inspirational people drive his passion for achieving the remarkable.