2006 November 29 « Alec the Geek

Top Tip for managing project politics

When I started my first (and last) official project management position someone gave me some useful advice, which I pass on here.

Project politics is very important and you have two choices
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29 November 2006 Posted by Alec | Project Management | | 2 Comments

I have Subversion based CM Building working

As mentioned previously I have been trying to get a Configuration Management based build running. I am pleased to say that today I have managed to get it working. Here you can see the result of a build — the Subverion revision has a property BFL (Built From List) that displays the files used to build the program. It show’s all the source file’s, including their revision number and last modification date.

29 November 2006 Posted by Alec | Software Configuration Management, Software Development | | 1 Comment

So what is a good University education?

The BBC reports good things about Mickey Mouse degrees.

However at the risk of seeming rather curmudgeonly, I have to say that the problem is not that specific undergraduate courses are poor but that the whole academic system seems to have removed the most valuable parts of the tertiary education process. Namely the teaching of research techniques and core concepts. Most of the graduates I recruit or work with are not widely read.

The current ethos seems to be to present students with prepared learning material, heaven forbid the little dears should have to visit the library, and make sure that the ‘clients’ are not unduly challenged by the assessment process so that they remain as ‘happy customers’ –education delivered with the integrity of McDonald’s. Perhaps all degrees should be in Hamburgerology

29 November 2006 Posted by Alec | Personal Opinion | | No Comments

My CD’s are wearing out

My much used copy of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is wearing out. The CD keeps skipping and the surface looks pitted and worn :-(. It was one of the first CD’s I ever bought. Does this imply that CD’s have a shelf life of about 20 years or do I just not take enough care?

Anyone want to buy me a Christmas present?

29 November 2006 Posted by Alec | Personal Life | | No Comments

Keeping a log book

Andrew discusses the use of a ‘laboratory’ style notebook for software development. His suggestions are excellent, but should really be taken further, especially for junior developers.

A developers log book should record a variety of information

29 November 2006 Posted by Alec | Software Development, Work Practices | | 5 Comments

What’s it all about

Alec’s warped view on the world of software and sometimes life in general.
Pithy, germane, comments are always welcome.

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