The Pynx was the place in ancient Greece where Athenians gathered for popular assemblies. It is credited as being one of the most important sites in the creation of Athenian democracy.
For the past few weeks I've been seeking feedback for the blog from about a dozen ex-colleagues. Since these postings refer to events as I recall them, it seemed prudent to get feedback from people who were also there. After all, like anyone, my memory is imperfect, my interpretations biased, my judgment flawed. If the postings are more like a lunatic ramble that an measured reflection, better to find out sooner than later.
Not surprisingly, not a single comment was entered in the blog. These people are busy. However, the responses in email, phone calls and during lunches was mostly positive. Some expressed concern about repercussions. Some felt there was much more to say on each topic. Some felt the focus on space systems was too limited. Others had advice radically different (albeit thoughtful) interpretations. No one admonished me with an alarmed concern about my mental health. On the contrary, all said there need for a forum to discuss software in NASA.
I figure this is as good a place to start as any. As of today, I opened up Reflecting on the 'Mythical Man-Month' in the Space Age to public access. Maybe the ecclesia will be there.
Next: Reflections on Chapter 2: The Mythical Man Month
Is NASA ready to build the next-generation software system for space exploration?
Well allow me to open the gate and let the livestock roam free.
ReplyDeleteI for one would like to see this become a dialog for the ages, capturing a variety of software project management successes and failures in the space program. NASA's only a small part of that domain, but perhaps others will contribute as well. I'm fairly confident the problems are not unique, but I'm also confident the solutions are diverse. Some solutions are good, some bad. Using MMM as a pivot is a nice idea.
Perhaps with the ecclesia I find analogies in different domains. In the financial domain, surveys find that investors use a wide variety of fundamental or technical analysis techniques to try to make money. Which one is the best? They're all appropriate in some context, but no one is suitable for all. The universal attribute of successful investors though is not their analysis technique, but their policy of cutting losses short. The psychological driver to hold onto losing positions in the hope of a turnaround is incredibly strong. For most it is an issue of identifying with the decision; taking it personally. Can software project managers identify counterproductive activities? Can they learn to cut their losses short? Will they be flogged with red ochre ropes until they change their behavior?
I wouldn't want to overreach. I suspect that the blog is more likely to become a dialog for the aged and less likely to become a dialog for the ages. Hope I'm wrong, but each generation finds its own way--usually without the perspective of history.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the NASA is probably only a small part of the domain. But it is where I can write from personal experience. Perhaps there will be others who will draw connections to other domains.
In a future posting, I hope to discuss why it's common practice to stick with analyses that conceal rather than reveal. Perhaps flogging isn't all it cranked up to be.