Thursday, May 31, 2012

Reason #1 to attend SEPG Europe 2012 in Madrid!

The #1 Reason to Attend SEPG Europe 2012: To Live Your Passion
Jeff Dalton, SEPG Europe, SEPG, CMMI, CMMI Appraiser, CMMI Consultant, CMMI Instructor
Buenos días Amigos!  The grand feria SEPG Europe 2012 of June 5-7 is almost upon us!  But before we don the traditional Castizo dress (Rick Hefner, are you listening?) and gorge ourselves on barquillos (rolled wafers), buñuelos (fritters) and rosquillas (donuts), let’s complete our Top 5 Reasons to be there, shall we?
Here we go with Reason #1.
Drum roll please …
Reason #1: SEPG Europe is where you can live your passion.
This year’s host city for SEPG Europe, Madrid, Spain, is a model for living ones passion.  I really encourage you to experience it.
After reading Suyash Kumar Chopra’s beautiful post Spain:  A Traveler’s Oyssey to Discovery, I was inspired.  What colorful images!  I wanted to go NOW!
Although I had lived in Spain in the early 1980s, I have not returned since then. In those days I was an orchestra musician, playing with the symphony in Sevilla.  A lot has changed since then, but after reading Suyash’s post, do you know what did I did? I changed my plans and now I’m leaving TODAY (May 31st), to spend some extra time taking in the sights.  I’m in a taxi right now on my way to the airport (thanks Verizon 4G).  My son, my business partner, and I will be heading from Madrid to Sevilla via Spain’s famous AVE “Bullet Train” where we will spend the weekend in the former home of the patron of novelist Miguel de Cervantes, and then we’ll take the slow train to Granada, then back to Madrid for the conference.  After the festivities are over it’s on to the plains of la Mancha to tilt at windmills and follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote. Whew!
Living ones passion means different things to different people.  In our world, whether your interest is multi-model, practical process improvement, high maturity, agile and CMMI, or any number of other disciplines, you’ll keep busy with a broad selection of technical sessions, designed to equip you with implementable solutions that can help you make your company better.  But you’ll have some free time, too, and really must do some exploring – I insist!
Here are five memorable experiences awaiting you in Madrid:
Fiestas de San Isidro – Not to distract you too much, but the conference occurs during the month-long holiday honoring the patron saint of Madrid.  With concerts, open-air dances and outdoor celebrations (including bullfights) Fiestas de San Isidro are the liveliest parties in Madrid.
Retiro Park – Parque del Retiro is one of my favorite spots in all of Madrid, and one of the most popular daytime destinations in the city.  The grounds span more than 350 acres of natural beauty.  And there are places to sail, skate, snooze or snack.
Plazas – You’ll find great people-watching at the city squares around Madrid, like the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Santa Ana.  I love the plazas’ ornate design and artistic layouts.  I find it exhilarating to stroll among their cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.
Architecture – Madrid, like many cities in Spain, is a swirling realm of architectural contradictions. Modern, post-modern and avant-garde buildings stand beside ancient cathedrals.  Did you know, Madrid even has an ancient Egyptian temple?  It’s the Temple of Debod, built in the second century B.C.
What this means is that you can expect to spend three days in Spain with real life, practical and implementable solutions .  After the sessions you’ll do cool things with cool people in cool places.  And you’ll find your passion for process improvement.
What’s not to love?
OK, I’m ready.  Please pass the buñuelos.
Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board.  He is a SCAMPI Lead Appraiser whose blog can be read at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com.  He can be reached at appraiser@broadswordsolutions.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Reason #2 to Attend SEPG Europe 2012: Promote Your Passion!


The #2 Reason to Attend SEPG Europe 2012: To Promote Your Passion

Jeff Dalton, CMMI, SEPG Europe 2012, CMMI Appraisal, CMMI Training, CMMI Consulting
Buenos días Amigos!!  The matadors are brooding in their cafes.  The crowds are lining the streets and it is almost time for the bulls to start running towards SEPG Europe 2012 on June 5-7.  Yes, the world-renowned CMMI feria is almost here, and that must mean it’s time once again for my Top 5 Reasons to be there.
Come close to the railing.  You won’t want to miss a moment of the action as we get on with our list of Top 5 Reasons to attend SEPG Europe 2012.  And away we go with Reason #2!
Drum roll please …
Reason #2: SEPG Europe is where you can promote what you are passionate about.
What?  Self-promotion?  I can hear the click-click-click as people madly try to x-out of this blog post.  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” they say aloud.
But wait.  I know few things have the power to make an engineer more uncomfortable than self-promotion.  I realize that many of you would rather submit yourself to 100 process mandates, or 50 days without Jolt Cola, than utter a single boastful word.
The good news about SEPG Europe is, you’re among friends here.  We don’t think it’s boastful to share success stories.  Indeed, we are here to find out from each other what’s working.  So if you are doing something with the CMMI that is really helping put your company on the path to greatness, your peers would love to hear about it.
Remember, folks at SEPG Europe are coming from a variety of backgrounds.  Some are Certified Lead Appraisers seeking to get better at guiding their customers.  Some are CMMI program sponsors who are looking for innovative and creative solutions for delivering on-time, high-quality software to their customers back home.  Others are just learning how to spell “CMMI” for the first time.
What we all share is a common interest in process, performance, and organizational improvement.
And here’s a shocker.  Some of the conference attendees are actively looking for a potential SEI Partner.
If you are an SEI Partner, it would probably be a good idea to be at least a little bit visible, would you agree?
One great option is to take advantage of the sponsorship or exhibiting opportunities SEPG Europe offers.
Another option is simply to take the bull by the horns and talk with folks about what you do.  One time at an SEPG conference, when I gave a presentation called “The Agile SCAMPI: Taming the Savage Beast.”  There was a decent crowd (drawn, perhaps, by the free hats and books I was giving away) and I hope they received some good information about making Appraisals simpler and more Agile.
One company in the audience was in the process of tackling a large-scale, multi-site process improvement program.  They needed help with planning, training, and conducting a multi-site SCAMPI Appraisal.  They had already zeroed in on a small set of Partners to choose from but after my presentation they added me to the list.  Just like that!  I ultimately started working with them and it was a win for everyone involved.
You know what I’ve been saying ever since?  Come to SEPG conferences for the technical sessions, but stay for the networking.  You never know when you’re talking with your next big client – or your next Partner.
SEPG Europe 2012 is a great place to promote your passion.  And that’s no bull. Olé!
Need one more reason to go?  Check back soon for Reason #1!
Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board.  He is a SCAMPI Lead Appraiser whose blog can be read at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com.  He can be reached at appraiser@broadswordsolutions.com.www.broadswordsolutions.com

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Reason #3 to attend SEPG Europe in Madrid this year


The #3 Reason to Attend SEPG Europe 2012: To Share Your Passion
Jeff Dalton, CMMI, SEPG, SEPG Europe, CMMI Appraiser, CMMI Instructor, Scrum and CMMI
Buenos días Amigos!  It’s time once again for my Top 5 Reasons to Attend SEPG Europe 2012 on June 5-7.
You know, having been to Spain a few times, I’ve seen first-hand their legendary spirit and propensity to live life to the fullest.  So I was not surprise when Madrid was selected as this year’s gathering place for engineering and software executives and practitioners who are passionate about process improvement and learning to do more with the CMMI.
As I put together my list of reasons to attend SEPG Europe 2012, I considered that living life to the fullest was a combination of sparking ones passion (Reason #5) and consuming great quantities of useful knowledge (Reason #4).   It all comes together in Reason #3.
Drum roll please …
Reason #3: SEPG Europe is where you can share your passion with your peers.
It’s true that every SEPG conference gives you the chance to be with like-minded professionals who are just as passionate as you are about process and performance improvement.  SEPG Europe offers even more.  At SEPG Europe, you will ...
Connect (or re-connect) with international customers
We all want to stay connected with our international customers, but the reality is that everyone’s busy - and the world is a big place!  We’re solving problems and flying at a hundred miles an hour.  It can be hard to slow down and find time to spend together.  Well, SEPG Europe gives us that time.  The three day conference offers an extended opportunity to share with your customers why you are so passionate about organizational process and performance improvement, and for them to share the same with you.
Connect (or re-connect) with business partners
There’s no better place than SEPG Europe to form strategic relationships with compatible companies from all around the world.  Some day, an opportunity will arise in which you will be glad you have an international partner you can work with and trust.  By forming these relationships at SEPG Europe, you’ll form strong, personal relationships with potential partners.
What I love is that SEPG Europe offers these rich networking opportunities in addition to the robust technical program.  That means you can learn  while connecting with familiar faces and starting new relationships.
To me, spending time with quality people is one of the best ways to live life to the fullest.  I hope you’ll join us in Madrid, and show us what living life to the fullest means to YOU.
Need more reasons to go?  Check back soon for Reason #2!
Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board.  He is a SCAMPI Lead Appraiser whose blog can be read at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com.  He can be reached a

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Winds of change blow fresh air into the CMMI

Reaction from the market overwhelmingly positive.

As we often say in our business, change is good.  Change re-focuses us, it re-invirgorates us, and fills us with energy to fuel performance and take our companies, and our lives, to the next level of performance.  It's easy to become complacent, and a visit from the winds of change is something we all need from time to time.

Yesterday's news from the SEI, that the CMMI will be moved out from under the influence of the DOD to a new business unit, brought a blast of fresh air to the CMMI market.

Yes, change is always good, and in this case it was a long time coming.  Companies and consultants alike are celebrating the announcement with a unifying message: "BRING IT ON!"

The CMMI has been wildly successful for the SEI, and they deserve strong kudos for their efforts.  It's unlikely they anticipated the level of global interest in CMMI, and it's amazing that this organization, whose primary mission is science and research, has been able to operate a world-wide system that includes models, training, appraisals, certifications, QA, conferences, and marketing.  And that's just a partial list.

As herculean as their efforts have been, the SEI always struggled to be responsive to the market due to constraints imposed by their DOD sponsor.  These constraints made agility difficult when it came to rapid evolution of the model, SCAMPI appraisals, marketing, and the integration of Agile methods with the CMMI, to name a few.

Creation of a newly-formed business unit within Carnegie Mellon is an golden opportunity to learn from the more than 25 years of SEI experience to position the new organization for success - and deploy an infrastructure that catapults the CMMI to the next level.

We're excited to get started!

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software exec!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead AppraiserCertified CMMI Instructor, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI program.




Reason #4 to attend SEPG Europe: Consume Knowledge!


The #4 Reason to Attend SEPG Europe 2012: To Consume Knowledge
Jeff Dalton, CMMI, SEPG Europe, CMMI Appraiser, CMMI Consulting, CMMI Instructor

Buenos días Amigos!  I’ve got to admit, the first thought that flashes through my mind when I think about traveling to Spain for the upcoming SEPG Europe 2012 conference in Madrid, Spain, on June 5-7?  Tapas.
Ah, delicious, tapas!  If you love Spanish cuisine, you surely have consumed a wide variety of tapas, or appetizers, served cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as battered, fried baby squid).   My preference is to order many different tapas and forget about the entree.
But just as there is more to tapas than olives and cheese, there are many great reasons to attend this year’s SEPG Europe 2012.  For the next few days, I’ll be counting down the Top 5 Reasons to be there.  Today, we’ll talk about Reason #4.
Drum roll please …
Reason #4: SEPG Europe is a place where you can consume vast quantities of knowledge (and not gain any weight!)
Yes, based on my past experience with SEPG conferences, delegates of SEPG Europe 2012 can expect to consume a lot of knowledge.  You’ll have opportunities to attend presentation after presentation by industry experts from all over the world, and to connect with peers about the different aspects of the CMMI and process improvement you are most interested in.
Here are a few examples of the things I’ve learned at SEPG conferences over the years:
  • I’ve learned that there are different interpretations in Western versus Eastern cultures about the true meaning of the CMMI.
  • I’ve learned how understanding the differing perceptions of the CMMI can shape the way we deliver CMMI services.
  • I’ve discovered new tips and techniques for being even more agile and efficient in conducting appraisals.
  • I’ve learned new techniques, including how to help executives and the teams they lead become better at communicating.
  • I’ve attended terrific presentations that offered lessons learned from top practitioners in the industry.
  • I’ve had fun too – with entertaining and interesting speakers like Mira Culley, Peter Leeson, Ducan Seidler, Eileen Forrester, and many more.
For those who like to plan their sessions in advance, the SEPG Conference team has posted the technical program, which is also now available in an easy-to-read grid format.
It’s a pretty impressive spread.  Learning experiences range from formal presentations, day-long tutorials, and half-day workshops to informal conversations and social interactions.  We’ll share strategies and tactics, tips and techniques, best practices to adopt, and pitfalls to avoid.
And we’ll have the truly unforgettable experience of building on our skills and knowledge, together.
Yes, SEPG Europe 2012 offers a widely varied and delectable array of CMMI tapas.  Why limit yourself to just olives and cheese?
Need more reasons to go?  Check back soon for Reason #3!
Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board.  He is a SCAMPI Lead Appraiser whose blog can be read at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com.  He can be reached at appraiser@broadswordsolutions.com.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

We're hearing about changes with CMMI at the SEI - what gives?

Dear Appraiser,


We're hearing rumblings about reorganization at the SEI, and that the CMMI may be moving to another organization at CMU.  What's the story?  ~Joseph P.

Joseph,

It is true.  The SEI announced this morning that the CMMI constellations (as well as other "mature technologies"), no longer considered "research" projects, will be moved to a new business unit within Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).  The Department of Defense, long a sponsor of the SEI, was very involved (along with CMU) in this decision.

To put this all in perspective, remember that the SEI is an "FFRDC" (Federally Funded Research and Development Center).  That means their charter is to conducted Research and Development activities - something they do very well.  So, this move makes total sense in that context.

I interpret this as a good . . . no, a great thing.  The SEI operates under the constraints of its sponsor (the DOD).  A new business unit, unencumbered by this constraint, will take the CMMI in new,  more flexible directions, and to new markets.

Here is the text of the SEI's announcement:


Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) have mutually decided to move the CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) and the PCMM (People Capability Maturity Model ) out of the SEI and into an independent business unit of CMU. We believe this new unit may also be a natural transition path for other SEI developed technologies, methods and practices as they mature.

The SEI is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) established in 1984 to provide technical leadership and innovation through research and development to advance the practice of software engineering and technology in support of DoD needs. DoD acknowledges the significant contributions that CMMI has made to Defense programs and the software engineering community, in general. Recognizing the maturity of CMMI and PCMM, SEI and DoD have agreed that the maturity of these technologies make this an appropriate time for the SEI, as a science and technology based FFRDC, to concentrate on newer research.

Carnegie Mellon University is excited about establishing this new business unit to serve the global software engineering community even better--to make adoption, evolution and maintenance of the models more flexible for government and commercial organizations, to be more creative with our partners and other organizations in creating business relationships, and to face the market more proactively.


Join me in wishing the greatest success to this new organization!

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software exec!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead AppraiserCertified CMMI Instructor, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI program.

Reason #5 to attend SEPG Europe 2012: Spark your Passion!


The #5 Reason to Attend SEPG Europe 2012: Spark Your Passion!
Jeff Dalton, President of Broadsword, CMMI Lead Appraiser, CMMI Consulting
Buenos días, amigos! So you’re wondering whether to pack your suit and join us in Madrid, Spain, for this year’s SEPG Europe 2012 on June 5-7?  Just as there are many traditional flamenco songs, lyrics, dances and instrumental styles in Spain, there are many reasons to attend SEPG Europe this year.  For the next few weeks,  I’ll be counting down the top five.
La lista?  Here are my Top Five Reasons to attend SEPG Europe, starting today with Reason #5.
Drum roll please …
SEPG Europe is where you can spark your passion for your profession.
SEPG Europe is the premier software process improvement conference in all of Europe.   Here you will meet hundreds of professionals from around the world –   people who care as much as you do about learning, networking and exploring solutions to their process problems.  These are the same practitioners who have been driving the CMMI’s reputation as the global leader in performance and process improvement.  You have a place among them.
The program is compelling.  This year the technical tracks offer more experts and more information than ever before – and more ways to get you thinking about solutions.  Designed for both experienced professionals and those who are new in the field, the conference program will challenge assumptions with its comprehensive view of the changing landscape of engineering and process improvement.
The slate of programs has been expanded and enhanced to meet you where you are in your career, and move you forward. Take a look at the range of topics awaiting you:
  • Agility and Rapid Process Improvement
  • People, Teamwork, and Organizations
  • Process as the Basis of Risk & Resilience
  • Process Improvement in Small and Medium Business
  • Leading Organizational Change
  • Software and Systems Engineering Innovations
  • Multi-Model Process Improvement
  • High Maturity
  • Professional Development
Is your heart pumping yet?  Within each track are technical sessions designed to dive into the principles and practices that can help your organization better understand how to harness the power of process improvement.
So let’s get fired up, amigos!  It’s a three-day process feria filled with real-life, practical and implementable solutions that will help you take your business to the next level. What’s not to love?
Need more reasons to go?  Check back soon for Reason #4!
Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board.  He is a SCAMPI Lead Appraiser whose blog can be read at www.asktheCMMIAppraiser.com.  He can be reached at appraiser@broadswordsolutions.com