A Rant On Requirements

I spend a lot of time reading requirements for various programs and projects. Have you ever read a requirements document? If so, you know how tedious they can, and need, to be. I like detail in light of the big picture, so, I think I do pretty well at creating comprehensive requirements and analyzing for comprehensiveness. However, it bothers me a little that my project teams don't really read them. Everyone says they reviewed them and I believe most give it a good scan (at least their parts). But especially when you are working with contractors and/or budgets, a scan by everyone isn't good enough. Yet, in their defense, I do sympathize that they have other job responsibilities and probably find the RD somewhat intimidating (or boring).

Well, this is where I feel the pressure as the program/project manager. The responsibility to make sure we have a comprehensive set falls on me. I am comfortable with this - yet this is where it is crucial that I know my scope and stakeholders before beginning the requirements gathering process. So, if you ever participate on a program or project team, please be patient through the initial steps. You may know your stuff, but the PM needs to get that information from you as well as possible.

Let me know if you want a 3,000+ requirements document to chill with and I will send you a link ;)

You Need Project Manangement

Yeah, you may think you get stuff done without project management. But that isn't the point - anyone can get stuff done. The key to sustainsblity and growth is to get stuff done efficiently and effectively. That is the purpose of project management to me. More effectively means a better product or service and happier customers. And more efficiently means quicker and with less resources.

I have been around the DC tech community for almost 2 years and I want to get some discussions going about how to get stuff done more efficiently and effectively. I don't mean anything too formal or process heavy. I mean some simple application of the project management theories that work.

Email me, liz[at]the315[dot]com, if you want to talk about project management with me. This is what I do for a day job and I actually enjoy it.

Direct from the Philippines

At the time I am riding a bus towards Manila, on my way to the fourth largest mall in the world- the Mall of Asia. I am coming from Pagsanjan where I saw the most amazing waterfalls- as seen in Apocalypse Now. I also have gotten to experience Manila, the best part being Intramuros, the historical district and some cute restaurant in Malate. After which I travelled to Baguio in the mountainous Cordillera region to see some rainforests, in the pouring rain. And that was followed by crossing Lake Taal for a climb up Taal Volcano for beautiful views.

Its been an amazing trip so far. But that's not all that I wanted to write about.

I love technology. I have had access to all of my regular addictions and conveniences. If it wasn't for the change in content and strange times, no one would know I was really halfway across the world. The only thing I couldn't do was attend the Twin Tech event. I hope it was as much fun as it sounded!

Photos to come.

Road Safety

I know I usually blog about tech but today I have a more serious post.

A close neighbor of mine was bicycling to work this morning when she was struck and killed by a vehicle. If you know her or read the news, you know the details, so, I won't cover them.

But please take a moment while reading this to appreciate the importance of safety on the roads. I know I will try to be more aware of it the next time I drive, walk or bike.

The Downside of Gadgets and Travel

Next weekend I am heading to Asia- the Philippines and Japan to be exact. And besides loving the travel, I love that gadgets can help me stay connected while traveling. You all know how much I have blogged about gadgets and convenience (if not, just look).

However, one major point of frustration is the fact that I need a 3G phone for Japan. The last few days I have pondered my need for connectivity and what I could use to survive in Japan without voice, text, GPS and email at the tip of my fingers at all times. I think I have concluded that it will be WiFi with my Eee and calling cards with pay phones. Admittedly, this solution hurts a little. It is so old-school. I feel a bit lacking in my gadgetry that I don't have a better idea. And renting a phone will just get me ripped off - I would be better off buying a 3G phone on eBay, which is also a waste, but at least you keep the phone. (Still, I might cave in to the rental idea.)

A day before I leave the new 3G iPhone goes on sale. It is so tempting! But I can't imagine signing up with AT&T right now and parting with my BlackBerry - I want to wait for more options.

My final thoughts- I had believed that there were a lot of really cool phones out there. I am not sure why all "world" phones don't support 3G. After this research, I realized that devices and service still have a way to go. However, maybe I will see some awesome and inspiring stuff in the electronic neighborhood (Akihabara) of Tokyo.