product development

Project Estimation with T-Shirt Sizing & Evidence Based Scheduling Models for Scrum Teams

Introduction Effective project estimation is crucial for successful project management. In the world of Agile software development, the T-shirt sizing model is a popular high-level estimation technique that helps predict project scope and resource allocation. In this blog post, I will discuss the T-shirt sizing model for Scrum teams, its limitations, and how it can… Continue reading Project Estimation with T-Shirt Sizing & Evidence Based Scheduling Models for Scrum Teams

The Many Hats of Product Managers: Their Indispensable Hands-On Roles as Individual Contributors

Introduction Throughout my career at large companies and startups, I’ve worked closely with many talented product managers and leaders. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable in driving the success of our products at companies including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal where I worked as CTO and CTO & Chief Product… Continue reading The Many Hats of Product Managers: Their Indispensable Hands-On Roles as Individual Contributors

The Creator’s Code by Amy Wilkinson (book review)

Having played key roles in driving innovation and success in digital businesses at The Wall Street Journal as their chief product & technology officer and at The New York Times as CTO, I’ve always been intrigued by what sets successful creators apart. It was in this pursuit of knowledge that I read my friend Amy… Continue reading The Creator’s Code by Amy Wilkinson (book review)

Maker’s Schedule (For Managers Too)

The following memo from a department head to staff is an example of how to implement a productive maker’s schedule at your workplace. This approach recommends starting with baby steps, evaluating results and making changes accordingly. Dear Colleagues in the Technology, Project Management and Product Teams, Executive Summary:1 We are implementing a maker’s schedule starting… Continue reading Maker’s Schedule (For Managers Too)

Three Pillars of a Media/Publishing Company

Questions: Where should product be depicted? Is product an extension of the journalism (newsroom)? In this way of thinking, all products including Web, mobile and all other digital products are primarily newsroom products. Or: Is product part of technology and development? In this way of thinking, product is primarily product development. Or: Is product a… Continue reading Three Pillars of a Media/Publishing Company

Some Pathways for Career Development in a Product Engineering Organization

The diagram below illustrates some pathways for career development in an engineering-focussed product development organization. It shows an organization where software engineering is a major discipline. The pathways shown here map out career paths that we have seen work well in a number of organizations. (There are also other pathways that work well that are not… Continue reading Some Pathways for Career Development in a Product Engineering Organization

Project Management: Time to Market, People & Teamwork

Starting early, not driving recklessly fast People who have worked with me are familiar with my trait of challenging the team to bring products and solutions to market as soon as possible. I’m a strong proponent for quickness to market and love to deliver sooner than the initially projected timeline. In this article, however, I… Continue reading Project Management: Time to Market, People & Teamwork

New Company, Effectuation

Earlier this year, I founded a product development & consulting company called Effectuation (www.effectuation.net) with some associates. We are involved in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Media/Publishing and Open Source.