What would I know, I'm just a doctor
What is it with companies and not planning? A software project needs to be planned to meet the requirement set out for its existence but somehow companies think you can wing it, creating the perfect incarnation of they’re envisioned imagination of miracle machine. I tell you no, I do not know what you want me to create, maybe if I can take a power drill to your head I can see what exactly you have in mind. Planning is important to everything, from weddings, funerals, school plays and yes of course, software applications. This is the critical element that establishes what the fuck I’m building and that the decision making is concrete, meaning that instead of the companies changing they’re minds every 5 minutes they have to make a proposal which then needs approval to go ahead if can be done and whether it affects the timeframe.
But you aren’t going to spec every nook and cranny of the system are you? — I almost stood up and slapped the guy across the face when I heard this. Of course I’m fucking going to document it all, how else do I know exactly what to build. This isn’t just for my benefit by the way, this also means that you are aware of what I’m building it and what to expect so you know I’ve done a proper job, its win win.
Companies that actually do this much planning fail — Same guy, I can imagine if he actually ran a software development firm that he wouldn’t be in business for too long. Again I wanted to punch him in the mouth for saying that but I figure I could get him to re-iterate that comment to NASA where upon hearing that would fire him from a rocket that “hasn’t had much planning”.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand why they think like that, because as soon as you mention time they picture money and that’s when they start asking to see the bargain barrel. I try cheap out as much as possible but I cheap down to the point where it’ll cost me more in the long run. The cost may not be in product but maybe in servicing or simply man hours but it all shows in the pocket.
In short, if it’s not your industry then get your foot out of the door or heaven help me and hell reign fury on your foot!
Good to see you posting again
Good to see you posting again :D
Ahhhh, the customer/client is
Ahhhh, the customer/client is a mysterious creature.
Something along the lines of - lack of planning and specs means time over agreed contract, budget, and Marty's getting a new 911.
Ask him to sign a blank contract to proceduce a blank cheque, at a time of your choosing (TBA) and tell him that any more planning would leave you failing.
I understand your want and
I understand your want and need for proper planning for development, but in how many cases of good planning has it all gone exactly to plan? I think every project needs to have a certain amount of to and fro. People are always going to want to improve on stuff they already have and it's your job to minimise this by extrapolating possibilities in the planning stages and ask those questions early. Let people know what is a reality and what is unrealistic to try and curb the big changes. I definately get how important planning is, but people just don't know what is involved in adding this or changing that.
I agree that this person has probably not thought this through enough, but how do they know what they need to know?
Saying this I do agree with what you are saying, but thats the joy of dealing with different personality types and work ethics.
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