Review – Quality Software Management, vol. 2: First-Order Measurement

Quality Software Management, vol. 2 - First-Order Measurement

Quality Software Management, Volume 2: First-Order Measurement, Gerald M. Weinberg, Dorset House, 1997.
First-order measurement is the use of back-of-the-envelope calculations sufficient for building something. Weinberg relates Satir’s interaction model (intake, meaning, significance, and response) to software management.

The author suggests some good metrics, and there are some effective graphs to go with them, but the key value of this book is more in learning to think about projects and people. I particularly liked the chapters on “precision listening” and “observations from the empathic position.” (Reviewed Jan., ’03)