Chicago Software Process Improvement Network
(C-SPIN) Meeting http://c-spin.net 
AT&T Center Campus 
AT&T Institute 2501 W. Eagle Way at
Lakewood Blvd and Eagle Way, Hoffman Estates, IL 60196
Be sure to check the C-SPIN website ( http://c-spin.net ) to confirm details.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

6:00 - 7:00 PM – Atrium: Registration, Networking, & Light Refreshments
6:20 - 6:40 PM – Birds-of-a-Feather Topic [See sign-in table for details.]
7:00 - 8:30 PM – Auditorium: 

Program: Putting the Engineering in Software Engineering:
Technology Infrastructure in Process Improvement
Presenter: Dr Adam Kolawa, CEO Parasoft, Inc.

Abstract

Like other engineers, software developers transform ideas into usable products. Unlike other engineers, they create a product that is inherently invisible, not completely testable and often transitional. Moreover, a software product in an interim development stage is often unusable, producing free-floating anxiety in developers and users alike. Behavioral science tells us that invisibility and the effect of “all or nothing” are psychological factors that negatively impact developer effectiveness. Mundane tasks such as repeated testing often result in frustration while the transitional nature of software creates a false notion that the defects can always be removed in the future. Moreover, there is growing realization that we humans are incapable of fully applying and maintaining our own best practices.

Based on aforementioned factors and the concepts described in the recently published book, the co-authors, Huizinga and Kolawa, will explain how to establish an automated technology infrastructure that supports effective software development. This infrastructure defines people roles, necessary technology, and interactions between people and technology. This infrastructure provides product visibility, automates repetitive tasks, tracks project status, and seamlessly collects project data to provide measures necessary for decision making. This infrastructure forms a software production line, thereby putting the engineering into software engineering. Most of all, by putting the engineering into software engineering this infrastructure sustains and facilitates the improvement of human-defined processes. 

About the Presenter

Dr. Adam Kolawa is the co-founder and CEO of Parasoft, a leading provider of Automated Error Prevention (AEP) software solutions. Kolawa's years of experience with various software development processes has resulted in his unique insight into the high-tech industry and the uncanny ability to successfully identify technology trends. As a result, he has orchestrated the development of several successful commercial software products to meet growing industry needs to improve software quality - often before the trends have been widely accepted. Kolawa, co-author of Bulletproofing Web Applications (Hungry Minds 2001), has contributed to and written over 100 commentary pieces and technical articles for publications such as The Wall Street Journal, CIO, Computerworld, Dr. Dobb's Journal, and IEEE Computer; he has also authored numerous scientific papers on physics and parallel processing. His recent media engagements include CNN, CNBC, BBC, and NPR. Kolawa holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the California Institute of Technology, and has been granted ten patents for his recent inventions. In 2001, Kolawa was awarded the Los Angeles Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the software category.

Driving and Parking Directions

From I-90 Northwest Tollway, exit North on Barrington Road. Take Barrington Road to Lakewood Blvd (2nd light) and turn East (right) onto Lakewood Blvd. Turn right into the AT&T Campus Center’s West Employee Entrance (the first entrance past Eagle Way) and follow the signs to the West Parking Structures.

Parking is available in covered lots W2 or W3 as well as upper level parking lot W1. Look for parking spaces towards the west end of the parking structures. The Institute Building, located across the road (west of the parking structures), is approximately a 3-5 minute walk from the parking structure. Visit http://c-spin.net for a map of the AT&T Campus Center.

About C-SPIN

C-SPIN is made possible through the efforts of its Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is composed of Alan Berow, Kathy Brown, Steve Coffman, Steve Huck, Nan Krull, Karen Mermel, Donna Miller, Sara Reif and Robert Stalzer.

C-SPIN is a leadership forum for the free and open exchange of software process improvement experiences and practical ideas. We promote achieving higher levels of process maturity, software quality, and mutual respect. Companies, academic institutions, government organizations, and individuals are invited. For more information regarding this meeting, contact Kathy Brown at klbrown@mosaicinc.com . For information about C-SPIN or the steering committee, contact Robert Stalzer at cspin@coderelay.com .

To receive future announcements electronically, register your e-mail address (include name, personal email address, company, and phone number) http://c-spin.net/newsletter .