Iterative Development Models and Process ImprovementTina M. Kister, PMP

Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Model

Source: Branson et al., 1975

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

Sources: udemy blog, CIO

“…more time-consuming than the Waterfall method”

– Kasia Mikoluk

“…focusing on continuous delivery has the effect of creating an unmanageable defect backlog...”

– Lajos Moczar

“… isn’t always consistent with responsible management”

– Lajos Moczar

“Agile promises solutions it cannot deliver. It promotes sloppy requirements, hides the true cost of development and prevents effective management. Contrary to what we're told to expect, this leads to long-running projects, dissatisfied customers and an overall IT ineffectiveness.”

– Lajos Moczar

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

“…relative novices… may cling to the model and treat it as a paint-by-numbers approach. Only later, when they become more proficient, do novices adapt a more flexible approach.”

– Wallace Hannum, 2005

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

“On the far side of complexity lies profound simplicity.”

– Karl Weick, 2004

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

– Often attributed to Picasso

Using Iterative Development ModelsExpert-Level Understanding

Source: Google Maps

The process of gaining expert-level knowledge helps to clarify where you are, where you’re going, and why.

Using Iterative Development ModelsGetting Started

“The benefit from any methodology comes from the discipline of figuring out what you are going to do and how you are going to do it. The details of how that methodology gets you there, while important, are secondary.”

– Richard L. Hamilton, 2009

Using Iterative Development ModelsDocumentation and Communication

“You really need to write your vision down to make it work… Yes, if you want your vision to be effective, you have to not only document it, but actually tell people about it.”

– Ari Weinzweig 2010

“If the documentation does not yet exist, there is as yet no design, only people thinking and talking about the design, which is of some value, but not much.”

– Dr. Winston W. Royce, 1970

“I would suggest very strongly that the more we tolerate gaps… the lower our credibility as leaders…”

– Ari Weinzweig 2010

Using Iterative Development ModelsMinding the Gap

“In my experience, it’s infinitely easier to rewrite a system than to meaningfully change an organizational culture.”

– Ari Weinzweig 2010

Using Iterative Development ModelsMinding the Gap

“Experts use models… by first looking at them to understand the intent of the model and see the recommended processes, then by making adjustments when applying the model to their specific circumstances…”

– Wallace Hannum, 2005

The Cost of Change• Time• Tools• Training• Talent

“Failed projects can result in huge financial losses for an organization, but a failed strategic initiative has an impact far beyond just the financials. When an organization embarks on change, it’s likely that systems, processes, vendors and, perhaps, even the overall organizational mindset (or mission) will be impacted.”

– Tricia Cabrey and Amy Haughey, Project Management Institute, 2014

DangersCostly

Bottom LineTools for Facilitating Success

BenefitsSmoother Transitions

“Good process documentation is the single most important input to developing procedural manuals and the training materials used to indoctrinate new hires into the good practices you’ve so diligently designed.”

– Rob Berg, 2011

BenefitsClearer Expectations

“When Gallup decided in the early 1990s to methodically prioritize all the aspects of work life by the degree to which each drove concrete performance, a most basic statement bubbled to the top: ‘I know what is expected of me at work.’”

– Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, 1999

BenefitsStreamlined Communications

BenefitsIncreased Efficiency

BenefitsIncreased Consistency

BenefitsIncreased Quality

BenefitsDemonstrable Quality

BenefitsDemonstrable Progress

Employee Morale

Qua

lity

Source: The Link Between Excellence and Happiness at Work

BenefitsHigher Morale

Refine

Research

Analyze

Synthesize

Plan

Prepare

Implement

Feedback

Feedback

Feedback

Feedback

Feedback

Feedback

Iterative Model for Technical Information DesignExample

Iterative Model for Technical Information DesignExample

Sources: ATS and Laser Scanning Forum

ConclusionSuccess!

Facilitating Success!Keeping the end goal in mind can make it easier to navigate the often complex and stressful process of developing processes.

“Paying attention to process through expert modeling pays off. The efficiencies gained from these simple ideas often translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars in cost savings. Creating a process model provides the foundation for improvements that are part of a holistic – rather than simply tactical – approach to achieving operational goals.”

– Rob Berg, 2011

ConclusionQuestions??