Tag: software engineering

Hackathon: Impact Journalism in New York

On April 8-9 2016, the Global Editors Network (GEN), The Huffington Post and Change.org will gather the best media innovators in New York for a two-day Editors Lab focused on developing innovative news prototypes. Theme Impact Journalism: How can news organizations develop innovative and interactive ways to create impact by connecting audiences with issues they care… Continue reading Hackathon: Impact Journalism in New York

Information for Technologists Interested in Learning about Artificial Intelligence

These days, artificial intelligence is gaining a lot of attention in mainstream media. This is a topic that I’ve been passionate about for many years, and a number of fellow technologists have asked me where they can learn about AI. I have posted a shared Google Document for people with a background in technology and software engineering… Continue reading Information for Technologists Interested in Learning about Artificial Intelligence

3 Dimensions of a Technology Team

Organizing Software Engineering Teams to Balance Products, Partners & Professions This organizational design for a technology department aims to optimally blend the need for the technology team to be an engine of innovation, a customer-service organization and technically excellent. It views the staff, roles and responsibilities in three dimensions: products, partnerships, and professions. Products and projects… Continue reading 3 Dimensions of a Technology Team

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)

HR Classification and Discretionary/Business Job Titles for Makers, Managers and Leaders in Technology

This article presents an organization system and policy for job titles of maker, manager and leader roles in technology staffs. Separate job titles for HR classification and discretionary/business use are used at many technology organizations, ranging from medium-sized, innovative and fast-moving companies to large, established and enterprise technology companies.1 This is a well-established practice that balances HR requirements with the rapid pace of innovation and change in job… Continue reading HR Classification and Discretionary/Business Job Titles for Makers, Managers and Leaders in Technology

Product Maintenance vs. New Development on Web Sites, Mobile Apps and Other Digital Products

Maintenance of a digital business product (e.g. a Web site, mobile app, or software) refers to the work that includes modifications made after delivery to production to fix bugs, address compliance/security issues, or improve scalability/performance These modifications can be to the product’s software code, configuration, documentation, hardware, or surrounding network. Maintenance is often contrasted with… Continue reading Product Maintenance vs. New Development on Web Sites, Mobile Apps and Other Digital Products

A Memo on Leadership by a Colleague

I regularly ask other people for their advice, insights and knowledge about leadership and management. The following is a memo a colleague recently wrote for me on the subject. [memo begins] Loose your ego Leadership isn’t about you or what you can do and rarely are people motivated to make you look good. Itâ s… Continue reading A Memo on Leadership by a Colleague

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

Trinity Method of Technology Management

In the Trinity Method of Technology Management, tasks and responsibilities are categorized under three types of roles: Creator, Guardian and Recycler. If you are the CTO or VP of Technology at an organization, your team needs to do three things effectively and regularly: Innovate; improve; create new products, features, services & processes Operate; maintain; execute… Continue reading Trinity Method of Technology Management