ISMA Cinco! Featured Speakers

Dr. Ricardo Valerdi

Ricardo Valerdi is a Research Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California where he developed the COSYSMO cost model. He has been affiliated with The Aerospace Corporation’s Economic and Market Analysis Center as a Senior Member of the Technical Staff and the USC Center for Systems and Software Engineering as a Visiting Associate. He is on the Board of Directors of the International Council on Systems Engineering and is founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Enterprise Transformation, expected in 2011.

Abstract
Heuristics and Biases in Software Cost Estimation
This presentation will explore the effects of human decision making in cost estimation in two parts. First, we consider a set of heuristics used in developing, calibrating and using cost models. These heuristics represent commonly observed shortcuts decision makers use to arrive at an estimate. Second, we review common biases that occur in software cost estimation and provide examples on how they can be measured and corrected to improve the accuracy of cost estimation. http://rvalerdi.mit.edu

Tom Cagley

Tom Cagley is Vice President of Consulting for David Consulting Group. He is an authority in guiding organizations through the process of integrating software measurement with model-based assessments to yield effective and efficient process improvement programs. Mr. Cagley is a recognized industry expert in the measurement and estimation of software projects. His areas of expertise encompass management experience in project management, development methods and metrics, quality integration, quality assurance and the application of the Software Engineering Institute’s Capability Maturity Model® to achieve process improvements. Mr. Cagley earned his B.S. degree from Louisiana State University and has done extensive post-graduate work at Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University. He blogs about software development and management topics at www.tcagley.wordpress.com and edits podcasts of essays and interviews titled “Software Process and Measurement Cast” (www.spamcast.net). The blog and podcast serve as a platform to share information with the development industry and to foster a continuing dialog. Sharing and dialog is a means of paying it forward. Mr. Cagley is a member of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) and is a Certified Function Point Specialist. He currently serves as IFPUG’s Immediate Past President; and previously served as Chair of the Conference Committee and Director of Conferences & Education.

Abstract
Function Points: Past, Present and Future Perfect
Function point counting is the de facto standard for measuring the functional size of software. It is the standard because of the energy of practitioners. The practice of IFPUG Function Points has expanded over nearly the entire world which has injected both energy and diversity of thought. The strong linkage between globalization and practices is a benefit because it is a reflection of the accelerating rate of technological change and globalization. This speech will explore the cutting edge of functional sizing (real new environments), the opportunities of globalization and the potential for the practice of function point counting to change radically in the near future. Function points in all of the glorious flavors are the premier tool for sizing. Being on top of the heap means we must build an inclusive community. The 21st century to-date has been defined by developing community, in many cases enabled by the web. I would suggest IFPUG provide the foundation for evolving and expanding the function point community. ISMA Cinco! is recognition that IFPUG is an international organization. I would suggest that continued globalization will require every practitioner to consider getting involved. The most critical letter in IFPUG is “U” and even though we have many challenges, we have many opportunities – and above all, we have you – function point users. We will explore how our community can mold the future. The function point community is a reflection of new math in which putting two function point users together equals something more than the sum of the parts; but even more importantly, putting hundreds of function point users together defies expectations.

Carol Dekkers

With an engineering background and years of refined communications expertise, Ms. Dekkers can speak first hand about what works (and what doesn’t) in the world of technology and customer communication! Carol Dekkers is a Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Management Consultant (CMC), and a Professional Engineer (P.Eng., Canada) who successfully bridges the gap between technology experts (engineers, scientists, computer specialists, etc.) and the nontechnical world. She is a highly sought after international expert whose keynote presentations are engaged by the SAP® Board of Directors for their global SAP® quality day in Germany (2007 and 2008); by the CEO of the Quality Assurance Institute for their managers workshop and QUEST quality conferences (since 1994); and by international project management and quality conferences throughout the world. Her specialty is demonstrating how to use communication effectively to bring the true value of technology to life through articulate presentations, effective collaboration, and team processes that increase the success of high tech projects. Carol Dekkers works with engineers, scientists, and technical specialists to develop effective communication for translating technical data into readily understood information. In addition, she works with client and customer organizations to develop effective communication processes to work with technical professionals.

Abstract
To Be(nchmark) or not to Be(nchmark) – Shakespeare’s Views on Software Benchmarking
This presentation features a creative perspective on the essentials of successful software benchmarking from the perspective of one of the world’s literary greats! While Shakespeare is often cited for his words of wisdom as applied to law, finance, business and other industries, the software measurement and benchmarking industry has not followed suit. Yet, there are many excellent quotations by the Bard of Avon himself that have direct and relevant meaning to companies interested in getting involved and succeeding with software benchmarking! Ms. Dekkers, a popular international consultant, presenter, and author, brings life to the mundane topic of software benchmarking standards through this innovative presentation. Presented as a keynote in India and China, this presentation has been updated to reflect the changing nature of software measurement and benchmarking, and the emerging ISO standards on Process Performance Benchmarking of which the presenter is a project co-editor.