Even though Six Sigma programs have successfully been implemented in practice, many IT departments remain skeptical of the process or are unaware of how the tools can be used to improve system development. Removing the mystique surrounding this technique, Six Sigma Software Development, Second Edition demonstrates how Six Sigma tools and concepts can be used to enhance the system development process. Revised and updated, this second edition clearly explains Six Sigma concepts and their application, maps Six Sigma concepts and tools to all aspects of system development, and proposes the use of Six Sigma tools to evaluate and improve the overall performance of the IT department. In addition to classic Six Sigma, the book introduces Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and illustrates when and how its tools and techniques can be used to increase the robustness and reliability of a new system. It also shows how the judicious application of lean tools can reduce the complexity of IT processes, thus shortening the time needed to translate customer requirements into completed systems and increasing customer satisfaction.

Even though Six Sigma programs have successfully been implemented in practice, many IT departments remain skeptical of the process or are unaware of how the tools can be used to improve system development. Removing the mystique surrounding this technique, Six Sigma Software Development, Second Edition demonstrates how Six Sigma tools and concepts can be used to enhance the system development process. Revised and updated, this second edition clearly explains Six Sigma concepts and their application, maps Six Sigma concepts and tools to all aspects of system development, and proposes the use of Six Sigma tools to evaluate and improve the overall performance of the IT department. In addition to classic Six Sigma, the book introduces Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and illustrates when and how its tools and techniques can be used to increase the robustness and reliability of a new system. It also shows how the judicious application of lean tools can reduce the complexity of IT processes, thus shortening the time needed to translate customer requirements into completed systems and increasing customer satisfaction.

Emphasizing that it's much easier and more cost effective to make changes in the planning phases of a project rather than later on, Project Management Tools and Techniques for Success provides an accessible introduction to project management fundamentals. Highlighting approaches for avoiding common pitfalls, it begins with an introduction to project management that compares and contrasts the stages of poor management with those of effective management. Because change is inherent in virtually all projects, the text outlines the human effects of change and suggests ways to mitigate these effects. It addresses team dynamics, sourcing alternatives, motivating the team, managing expectations, assessing risk, and defining and prioritizing project requirements. The book translates difficult concepts into practical applications with a case study that examines the merger of two companies, along with the subsequent development of a new corporate headquarters. By adding a layer of statistical methods and tools to the front-end of a project, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) augments standard Six Sigma processes to help ensure project results meet customers' needs and that delays caused by new requirements or rework after implementation are eliminated or reduced. The book explains how to effectively incorporate DFSS tools to reduce the possibility of failure in your next project. Clearly illustrating effective project management practices, the book includes a listing of commonly used acronyms, suggestions for additional reading, along with instructions on how to create four of the most important tools discussed in the book.

Emphasizing that it's much easier and more cost effective to make changes in the planning phases of a project rather than later on, Project Management Tools and Techniques for Success provides an accessible introduction to project management fundamentals. Highlighting approaches for avoiding common pitfalls, it begins with an introduction to project management that compares and contrasts the stages of poor management with those of effective management. Because change is inherent in virtually all projects, the text outlines the human effects of change and suggests ways to mitigate these effects. It addresses team dynamics, sourcing alternatives, motivating the team, managing expectations, assessing risk, and defining and prioritizing project requirements. The book translates difficult concepts into practical applications with a case study that examines the merger of two companies, along with the subsequent development of a new corporate headquarters. By adding a layer of statistical methods and tools to the front-end of a project, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) augments standard Six Sigma processes to help ensure project results meet customers' needs and that delays caused by new requirements or rework after implementation are eliminated or reduced. The book explains how to effectively incorporate DFSS tools to reduce the possibility of failure in your next project. Clearly illustrating effective project management practices, the book includes a listing of commonly used acronyms, suggestions for additional reading, along with instructions on how to create four of the most important tools discussed in the book.

.,."does an excellent job of covering all aspects of incorporating vendor-supplied software into an organization. ...provides a complete process that will help reader avoid costly mistakes. ...captures many years of experience in working these types of projects in a thorough, very detailed but readable style. The extraordinary coverage offers something for everyone-higher management, project manager, or IT worker. ...a must read for anyone who works with commercial, off-the-shelf software solution." ? Noel LeJeune, www.StickyMinds.com Successful Packaged Software Implementation guides IT departments through the selection and implementation of packaged software, pointing out potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. Offering a step-by-step approach, this volume begins with an assessment as to whether packaged software is the correct solution. It then analyzes the product selection and contract negotiation processes before addressing the technical details of installation and configuration. Although focusing primarily on acquiring, installing, and implementing applications software (the most complex category of software from an IT manager's viewpoint) this book also is applicable to shrink-wrapped and system software.