There are many catch-phrases and metaphors used in the Agile space to try to define the role of management [1]. Examples include "servant-leader", "Chickens not Pigs", facilitator, motivator, etc. After all, the notion of "self-organization" can easily be construed to mean no management required.  read more »

Part 3: Managing Enterprise Agility

In parts 1 and 2 of this series, we discussed how the principles of queuing theory and capacity utilization suggest that keeping people busy actually works against minimizing cycle time. When applied to software development organizations, we begin to see how having too many projects underway unintentionally hides wasteful activity. In part 3, we pull together the concepts and discuss why organizations that focus on completing smaller, high value capabilities can realize much greater returns on technology investments.

Part 2: How organizational focus and visual controls that limit work-in-process (WIP) can make large enterprises much more productive and easier to manage

In this 3-part series, I'll cover how too much work-in-process leads to hidden waste at the individual, release, and enterprise levels.

Lean Principles suggest that visual controls that are guided by the value stream help eliminate waste. What is needed is a guide that provides a clear line-of-site from each task being worked to vision that describes how the business wins in its marketplace. This article suggests visual controls that couple the Lean portfolio with work in-process.

Part 1: Stop starting stuff and start finishing stuff[1]

In this 3-part series, I'll cover how too much work-in-process leads to hidden waste at the individual, release, and enterprise levels.

"Economies of Scale" is a phrase that is often mentioned as a desirable state for growing enterprises. After all, being large enough to drive cost down by sheer purchase volume is a logical progression of successful companies. But what is the price paid for achieving this milestone? This blog post exposes hidden waste that must be controlled when economies of scale take over.  I'll touch on how Lean approaches can prevent and eliminate the wasteful belief systems that clog the flow of product delivery.

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