In our latest DevSource video, Jennifer Tharp discusses the role of project managers in agile development, why software projects are notoriously late, and regulatory requirements place additional constraints on developers.

Episode 6: Towards Sanity in Software Project Management >> See all videos in this series

One of the annoyances about software development is that, at some point, you have to complete the project. And, as Robert Heinlein once wrote, "They didn't want it good. They wanted it Wednesday."

Getting the software written is your job. Getting it delivered is the role of the project manager. So, in our newest DevSource video, we asked Jennifer Tharp for guidance. Tharp is president of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Project Management Institute and a specialist in IT project management whose clients include Genentech, Verizon Wireless, and Shopping.com.

She has a lot to say — a lot of interesting stuff to say — about the the place for project management in the realm of agile development, why software development projects are notoriously late, common errors in software development project management, and when developers should pad their time estimates. She also shares advice for project managers about avoiding the trap of getting wrapped up in the tools and technologies, how regulatory requirements place additional constraints on developers, and the value of certification in this field. Plus, she explains what project managers shouldn't spend their time doing.

To watch the video in Windows Media Player, click here.

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