Location, Location

[ Login/Subscribe ]

Features

Departments

PPM

Tools

Executive

Resources

About Us

Home > Features > Interviews

Location, Location
Projects@Work (May 31, 2007)

The world may be flattening, but it’s also clustering, according to leading software researcher Michael Mah. He makes the case for the “energy synchronization” of co-located project teams, and shares some thoughts on why creativity and outsourcing rarely mix, why adding staff often exacerbates problems, and how offshore, in-house and agile-led projects fare on defect rates.

Over the past 10 years, Michael Mah has emerged as a thought leader on practical applications of software project metrics, estimation, control and productivity benchmarking. His recent work merges concepts in software measurement and benchmarking with negotiation and dispute resolution techniques for IT outsourcing and relationship management. Mah's particular interest is in people dynamics — the complex interactions between people, groups, divisions and partnered companies working on the technology revolution at "Internet speed." He is also focused on the latest research on negotiation, including the use of game theory, role-playing and training to increase corporate and personal effectiveness.

Mah is the managing partner at QSM Associates, and a contributing author of “IT Measurement, Advice from the Experts" (Prentice Hall, 2003) and a book in-progress entitled “Optimal Friction, People Dynamics at Work in the Information Age." Mah also works with the Cutter Consortium, where he is director of the Measurement and Benchmarking Practice and senior consultant for the Agile Software Development & Project Management Advisory, and the Sourcing & Vendor Relationships Advisory.

ProjectsAtWork recently conducted an email interview with Mah about technology trends, including outsourcing, software automation and agile methods.

Is the world really as “flat” as proponents of Thomas Friedman would have us believe?

Yes and no.

Please login/register to read the entire article.

Sponsored Announcements and Special Offers

Project Management Software That Breaks the Mold - Is your team is struggling under the weight of outdated schedules, multiple spreadsheets, and mountains of email? Get organized, get visibility, and save up to 3 hours a day with LiquidPlanner. Scheduling has never been easier with drag-n-drop prioritization that fits the way YOUR team works. Free for 30 days.

Resource Planning Summit, Sept. 19-21, 2010, La Jolla, CA - Resource Planning is HOT today! Opening Keynoter Mike Hanford, Research Director at Gartner, will describe why, and what firms must do about it. Nine industry speakers will describe the startling results they have achieved. If you have anything to do with resource management, register NOW!

ProjectWorld® & World Congress for Business Analysts® is the premier conference for advancing collaboration through practice. The high level content cannot be found at any other industry event because it stretches far beyond the fundamentals to provide leadership, strategy and enterprise wide information - exactly what you need to be more valuable to yourself and your organization.

Are you ready to gain the highest recognition for a BA and apply the best practices defined in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®? Let us help you prepare for Certified Business Analysis Professional® certification with our CBAP® Exam Prep Course. We also provide CBAP® Application Workshops (free webinars) to help you successfully get approved for the CBAP® application.

Are your Business Analysis Skills Current? Business analysis is not just about IT requirements anymore. Organizations are looking for a new breed of professionals to bridge the business and technology gap with value-centric solutions. Develop the fundamental skills and best practices you need to stay ahead of changes in your field with our business analysis training offerings.

@task
BAM! BA Newsletter
BAMentor
IIL
Keller Graduate School
LiquidPlanner
Management Concepts
Microsoft
PM War Stories
PPM Executive Newsletter
Resource Plan Summit '10
RMC Project Mgmt
Stanford University
Walden University

September 2010:

What are the main reasons that projects fall behind schedule?