Blogs

SQL Query writing: Best practices

10 December 2015 Soft Skills

  Writing effective queries on a RDBMS is something we develop from regular practice of query writing. We discuss here about the SQL RDBMS and some best practices in writing DML statements. It’s always recommended to have the DML statements …

Agile Retrospective Exercise – How To Choose Vital Few Actions Which Has Higher Value?

The aim of an agile retrospective is to define actions for the next iteration that will improve the way of working and help teams to deliver more value to their customers. The vital few actions retrospective exercise can be used within agile …

The #1 Tool For Remote Team Collaboration

In my latest post, I discussed a part of the presentation I gave for a group of senior HR managers. I shared my experience using a one-page strategic plan for leading distributed teams.

The world’s best tool for remote leadership

Yesterday, I gave a presentation in the Netherlands for a group of HR managers from some big multinationals. I spoke about ‘leadership and organisation for distributed teams’. Here’s the link.

4 skills of an effective distributed software development team manager

Managing remote, globally distributed teams, is no easy task. During the past 10 years I have seen all sides of this role, good and bad. I want to share some of the competencies I think are fundamental to be an …

The 3 vital factors for successful offshore software development

In  offshore software development, you must be aware of 3 vital  factors below that will certainly help you to get the maximum value from your offshore team.1. From working agile to living agileA lot of organizations found that agile processes …

Requirements versus partnership

18 February 2015 Offshoring

One recurring theme in software development is ‘requirements’. This seems to be one of the most challenging starting point of any software development project. My experience is that the crucial point is ‘explaining what you have in mind, what you …

Are the IT dinosaurs dead?

10 February 2015 Offshoring

I read about the IBM and TCS layoffs. Everest Group did an interesting analysis of both cases: http://www.everestgrp.com/2015-02-the-truth-in-ibm-and-tcs-layoffs-and-what-it-means-to-services-industry-customers-and-providers-sherpas-in-blue-shirts-16509.html A short excerpt that I address in this blog: Both companies recognize that they don’t have enough of the new skills needed …

Ekipa.co: outsourcing reinvented

10 February 2015 Offshoring

Many organisations outsource their software development. After decades of experience, it is still a challenge to find and select the right provider and get your ideas implemented as you envision.The recently launched marketplace Ekipa.co changes this.  Based on over 10 …

Remote Interview: Hugo MesserRemote Interview: Hugo MesserRemote Interview: Hugo MesserRemote Interview: Hugo Messer

Lisette Sutherland, author of Collaboration Superpowers, did an interview with Hugo Messer. In the interview, Lisette and Hugo discuss Hugo’s experience setting up Bridge, starting offices in India and Ukraine, the books he’s published and what does and does not work …

The future of work is remote

11 November 2014 Offshoring

The past decade, more work is done remotely than every before, all fueled by technology and globalization. Companies facilitate working from home, outsource more and move work offshore. I think it fits us humans. Before the industrial revolution, there were no offices. People worked from home. Our ancestors were chasing deer in the forest and would probably think we’re crazy sitting inside a cubicle all day long. Working from home gives more freedom, time with your family and less distractions.

How to make specifications for an outsourced project?

5 November 2014 Offshoring

The traditional notion of outsourcing projects, whether it’s to a nearby firm or a team on the other side of the planet, is that you need to specify things. Many people believe that in order to outsource a project far away, they need to specify everything. And because it takes time to specify, they are reluctant to engage remote teams. Usually, the idea of outsourcing starts because of time constraints – you don’t have the people or the time to do it inside your own company. So we have a chicken and egg problem.