Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Software Project Tracking and Reports

• How to write a business requirements document in Agile

  Agile doesn't rely on lengthy documentation or a control board, but it does need business requirements. Here's how to work business requirements into epics and user stories.  Continue Reading

• Is a software test schedule at the development team's mercy?

  Does the development team determine the software test schedule? Find out why working with DevOps can alleviate some time and test constraints.  Continue Reading

• How can your enterprise support mobile email access?

  Granting mobile email access is easy. Here is a rundown of the options available.  Continue Reading

• Tips for making software QA testing reports acceptable

  Why don't users seem to appreciate typical software QA testing status reports?  Continue Reading

• How to resolve team conflict

  Arguing team members can derail a project. Project managers can help resolve the issue by finding its root cause.  Continue Reading

• When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal

  Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Software quality metrics paint partial project picture

  QA consultant Gerie Owen discusses the use of two post-production metrics: defect removal efficiency and defect detection percentage.  Continue Reading

• Is 'Agile software documentation' an oxymoron?

  Some software quality pros get the impression picking up Agile means letting go of software documentation, but that's not necessarily so.  Continue Reading

• The role of the Scrum Master in project management

  Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains how Scrum teams do not necessarily need a separate “project manager,” as the Scrum Master often fills that role.  Continue Reading

• Understanding test data: How project managers evaluate test cases

  While many organizations may look for simple ways to measure progress, it is important for project managers to fully interpret and understand test results, whether that data comes from automated tests or manual tests.  Continue Reading

• Agile teams and software defect tracking: Is a DTS necessary?

  In this expert response, Lisa Crispin discusses the pros and cons of DTS and offers advice to teams on how to best manage their bug-free development approach.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for managing remote employees

  As working remotely becomes increasingly common, more managers find themselves in the situation where they are managing one or more people who are working at home in a remote location. With little interpersonal contact, how can a manager be ...  Continue Reading

• How to gain acceptance of organizational change

  Any organizational change can meet with internal resistance. In this response, SSQ Site Editor Yvette Francino offers advice on how to win buy-in from those affected through honest communication and continuous improvement.  Continue Reading

• Functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements in software engineering explained

  Clearly defining both functional and nonfunctional requirements in software engineering projects is important from both a business perspective and a performance perspective. In this expert response, Sue Burk offers definitions and examples for both ...  Continue Reading

• Estimating project costs, writing project reports

  Estimating the cost of a software development project and writing a suitable project report are not necessarily difficult tasks. Bas de Baar breaks down project reporting and cost estimation for beginners.  Continue Reading