Westfall Weekly Webinars

Software Size Metrics presented by Linda Westfall

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 12:01 pm Central

During this webinar, attendees will learn about various Software Size Metrics, including:

• Lines of Code
• Function Points
• Weighted Requirements Counts
• Story Points
• Use Case Points

Defect Escape Metrics presented by Linda Westfall 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 12:01 pm Central

During this webinar, attendees will learn about various Defect Escape Metrics, including:

• Defect Escape Counts
• Phase Containment
• Defect Detection Efficiency

Customer Satisfaction Metrics presented by Linda Westfall 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 12:01 pm Central

During this webinar, attendees will learn about Customer Satisfaction Metrics, including:

• Conducting Customer Satisfaction Surveys
• Bubble Charts to Summarize Customer Satisfaction Results
• Plotting Metrics for Each Question
• Tracking Satisfaction Over Time

Is Managing By Metrics Really Bad? presented by Robin Goldsmith 

Wednesday, January 30, 2025, at 2:01 pm Central

*** Note Special Day and Time ***

 A common complaint is that one’s boss “manages by metrics,” paying attention only to numbers and not to other important information. We’ll examine why this is considered bad, how bad it really is, and ways to reconcile it with presumed missing management methods.

• Common “managing by metrics” considered poor management.
• Reasons for the metrics and why they disconnect.
• Reconciling needs of mangers and those they manage.

Design Concepts

Presented by: Linda Westfall

During this webinar, attendees will learn about the design concepts of:
  - Abstraction
   - Modularity
   - Information hiding
   -  Cohesion
    - Coupling

Available Free Until: 2/19/2025
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Factors Contributing to Successful Peer Reviews

Presented by: Linda Westfall

During this webinar attendees will learn about the factors that contribute to the success of Peer Reviews, including:
   - Product factors
   - Process factors
   - Reviewer factors
   - Management factors

Available free until 2/12/2025
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Testing Principles

Presented by: Linda Westfall

In this webinar, I will explore a set of 10 basic testing principles.  I will interpret what I believe each of those principles means and how each impacts the practices of software testing.  Many of our systematic software testing practices are based on these testing principles.  Without a thorough understanding of these basic principles, it is difficult for testers and organizations to implement a risk-based, integrity-based, testing strategy that maximizes the number of yet-undiscovered, relevant defects within the budget and schedule constraints of the project.

Available Free Until: 2/05/2025

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Is It Verification or Validation? Are You Sure?

Presented by: Robin Goldsmith

People use the terms “verification” and “validation” certain they know the difference and everyone agrees on it.  But, do they reliably differentiate verification from validation?  And does everyone actually differentiate the same way?  Does either matter?  If so, why, how much, and what can be done to get past confusion? Attendees will learn:

•    Common definitions and distinctions between “verification” and “validation.”
•    Why it matters whether people actually distinguish them the same ways.
•    How to reduce confusion and truly get common understanding.

Available Free Until: 01/29/2025
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From Rigid to Flexible: Evolving Requirements Flow and Development Models

Presented by: Peter Reynolds

This webinar explores the evolution of requirements management in software development, starting with the traditional Waterfall model and looking at its successors, including iterative, incremental, and Agile methodologies like Scrum. Beginning with a historical overview of the Waterfall model, the session will outline its structured approach to requirements. We will then trace the emergence of more flexible development models that prioritize adaptability and customer collaboration. We will examine how requirements flow differs across these methodologies, highlighting the shift from a rigid, linear process to a more dynamic and iterative approach. We will consider how these changes can impact project outcomes and stakeholder engagement.

Available Free Until: 1/22/2025
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Focus on the Overlooked “C” in “Card, Conversation, Confirmation”

Presented by: Robin Goldsmith

Agile refers to “CCC,” where a user story is on the front of a 3x5-inch index Card and its acceptance criteria Confirmation is on the back of the card.  They lead to and rely on Conversations to elaborate and understand what the user story and acceptance criteria are really about.

While the community says a bit about writing user stories and a bit less about defining their acceptance criteria, it’s practically silent about Conversations. Conversation shortcomings can impact accurately determining what to do and how to do it.  This interactive webinar describes key Conversation considerations Agile project teams need to know.
•    The critical role of Conversations in defining requirements.
•    Common Conversation weaknesses and issues to overcome.
•    Ways to make Conversations more effective.

Available Free Until: 01/15/2025
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The What, Why, Who, When & How of Requirements Traceability

Presented by: Linda Westfall

 During this webinar, you will learn:
    - What is bi-directional requirements traceability
    - Why requirements traceability is important
    - Who is responsible for requirements traceability
    - When requirements traceability is done during the software life cycle
    - How requirements traceability is done and how is it used

Available Free Until: 01/08/2025
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Speak With People, Not At Them

Presented by: Jason Raitz

Transform your leadership style by mastering the art of healthy and engaging, two-way communication. When you improve your communication skills, you will build trust and deepen your connections. These advanced skills in two-way communication will enable you to engage and inspire your teams or your clients more effectively.

Available Free Until: 01/01/25
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