Dec 6 Meeting
Free and Open to the Software Engineering & IT Community
NOTE - New Location!!! And good news - Plenty of Free Parking!!
SolutionsIQ. 10785 Willows Rd NE, Suite 250, Redmond, WA [Map]
Food & networking from 5:45 to 6:15 (pizza, salad, soda )
Announcements from 6:15 to 6:30
Presentation from 6:30 to 7:45
Q & A from 7:45 to 8:15
Doors close at 8:30
Seeing Systems for Improved Learning and Problem Solving
by Jeff Smith, NetObjectives [ http://www.netobjectives.com ]
Do your improvement efforts in IT and software development always seem to hit unexpected limitations?
It is common to associate challenges in the workplace with external forces and events. We see process, technical systems, and organization structures as significant defining elements and boundaries - but commonly fail to see other underlying forces at work. We tend to think in our immediate context... and in very linear ways.
Looking from a systems thinking perspective, we start to see other factors and the effects of time on the systems we work within. Often enough we struggle against hidden constraints and fail to recognize mechanisms that would suggest other problem-solving approaches. We miss the trends and critical leverage points. We hit unseen barriers, often regressing or fighting losing battles.
This presentation looks at common problem-solving tools and introduces some new tools - with simple examples - from the Systems Thinking world. We will look at causal loops, related analysis mechanisms, and recurring patterns that combine to reveal new alternatives and understanding for improving in the workplace. The tools can be applied in a team setting, helping brainstorm your way to new ideas.
Bio
Jeff has been in software development for over 20 years and specializes in driving internal development productivity breakthroughs. He is the current chair for the Seattle and Eastside Area Software Process Improvement Network(SPIN), President of the Seattle ISPI Chapter(International Society for Performance Improvement), and has also served on the board of the Austin SPIN, Agile Austin, and the Austin AITP Chapter (Association of IT Professionals) Chapter. Jeff's experience includes process and development work with organizations large and small, including Dell, IBM, BearingPoint, Boeing, Trilogy, Lexis Nexis, as well as some smaller technology startups. He holds a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, a ScrumMasterCertification, with additional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, ITIL, and software test.
You can join SeaSpin at LinkedIn
SeaSpin is coordinated by Jeff Smith, Steven Smith, and Pamela Perrott. The officers are:
- Chair: Jeff Smith (contact)
- Program Chair: Steven M. Smith
The SeaSpin charter can be found here.