By Michael Wilkes on 10/26/2007

What are the chances for success in custom home building if the buyer starts the discussion with a carpenter, electrician, and plumber? Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 10/19/2007

Being a "Yes person" is not just for kiss-ups. It's for consultants too. But how do you control scope on a large projects if you say "yes" to everything? Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 10/10/2007

There are so many ways to make a software application easy to use. When you find one that isn't (got a favorite?), send them this list... Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 10/3/2007

What is the penalty for buying into the hype of cheap offshore coding rates? I call it Ambiguity Tax and you have to pay now (expensive) or pay later (more expensive). Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 9/16/2007

You just started a big project with your new offshore partner. The cost savings will be great. Everyone on both sides of the ocean is excited. Then the first build comes in -- major quality issues appear. Now what? Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 6/8/2007

Startup executives have to present a business plan to their potential investors. It's required. They (the people with money) won't even talk to you without one. Why don't the same rules apply in a software project? Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 5/18/2007

We all know how to create margin: Buy low, sell high, and keep the difference. It's the same for software projects. But what if your cost estimate was based on a pie-in-the-sky guestimate? What happens then? Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 5/12/2007

No one intentionally plans to fail. There is a way to nearly guarantee failure, however, by doing this part of a project badly... Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 4/26/2007

Projects don't fail. People kill them. A bad project is put down like a vicious animal. But what makes a project bad? Read More »

By Michael Wilkes on 1/27/2007

Why is the process of estimating software so much harder than the estimate on a new custom home? The problem lies in the size and mystery of the elements being considered. Read More »