Mostly Client Side


Optimism is an occupational hazard of programming; feedback is the treatment. (Kent Beck)

How Six Sigma Differs From Traditional Project Management

July 30th, 2010

While Six Sigma is becoming more popular, a lot of companies still rely upon the conventional Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK). This discipline is used throughout all sectors and has been one of the most pivotal managerial tools for many years. In truth, there are many similarities between the two methodologies. For example, both include identifying problem areas, managing resources, and conducting cost analysis as high priorities. However, while there are parallel goals, there are also distinct differences.

In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the differences between a Six Sigma initiative and one that is guided by the Project Management Body of Knowledge. We’ll explore how data contributes to both, the role of management and the problems they face, and one of the key areas in which the two standards deviate from each other.

The Value Of Data

Both Six Sigma and project management initiatives are deployed in order to improve existing processes. However, PMBoK assignments often have an inherent weakness: in many cases, they lack a reliable method to measure the results of the process-related changes that are made. In short, there’s often no way to quantify the results. Because of this, a PMBoK team may consider their efforts successful, but they lack the data to validate their claim.

By contrast, Six Sigma is a methodology that is primarily driven by data. Processes are analyzed and data is collected. Problems are identified, creative solutions are designed and deployed, and more data is collected. It is only through analyzing the collected data that success or failure of the initiative can be determined.

Problems Facing Management

PMBoK project managers cope with a number of problems for which Six Sigma is designed to resolve. For example, when managers approach a work process problem, they first need to gain an understanding of the issues. Then, they need to design and implement tracking mechanisms through which they can quantify selected variables. Next, they need to collect data and analyze it in order to identify inefficiencies within the process that can be addressed with available resources.

While a professional project management initiative can help managers accomplish those tasks, it is limited in its scope. This is partly due to the methodology’s focus upon broad-scale processes using a centralized project office. By contrast, a Six Sigma initiative is more flexible; it provides managers the tools they need in order to do their job within a smaller, decentralized unit.

Ongoing Prevention Vs. Piecemeal Selection

This is one of the main areas in which the two methodologies have very different approaches. Professional project management examines processes on a piecemeal basis. The central project office considers each initiative individually; as one assignment is completed, another is initiated. Neither assignment has any bearing on the other.

Six Sigma takes the opposite approach. Assignments are designed to uncover the root cause of a process-related problem. Once a solution has been implemented and determined to be successful, the goal is to prevent the original failure from recurring over time.

Each Methodology Has A Place

What I’ve described above is not to suggest that the PMBoK is outdated or irrelevant. In fact, it continues to be a valuable methodology. However, its value is most evident in strategic applications where broad-scale processes are analyzed. On the other hand, Six Sigma is perfectly-designed for assignments that support ongoing review and improvement. The data from each initiative is used to establish benchmarks by which future performance is measured. In short, both methodologies have their place in different circumstances. One does not replace the other. When deployed simultaneously, they can work together for an organization’s continual improvement.

BMGI, a leading education and consulting firm in the innovation education field regularly posts information on six sigma at http://www.bmgi.com
Article Source

I'm eager to hear your comments...

Benefits of High Speed Internet

July 30th, 2010

Most people in the current world can’t live without the Internet. This technology is no piece of cake.The current world has been shaped by all the good feedback brought by the Internet. Our society cannot live anymore without this technology. High speed communication revolves around one major asset: the Internet. Such way to communicate has become essential to our world. High speed Internet and all its benefits were brought to answer such need for communication. Click here High Speed Internet Access to learn more about such technology.

While many people think that it is OK for them to spend less money for Internet access even if they benefit from a lower speed, there are many aspects that show the importance of the benefits of high speed Internet. High speed Internet connection gives us easy and speed when it comes to browser websites, to download programs or simply to communicate with others. The following page High Speed Cable Internet has interesting infos about High Speed Cable while the following one  High Speed Satellite Access will help you understand more High Speed Satellite services.

Any good photographers who cannot get the time to meet with friends and share pictures will find that the Internet is a convenient place to do it. Sharing, looking and commenting pictures take too much time on a low speed Internet connection. High speed Internet helps everyone doing that in a few seconds. Expect the same if you have to share audio or video files with people. Another example are the telephone and the cable. Both enjoy lots of benefits when coupled with high speed Internet connection.

Besides these common details, the benefits of high speed Internet are even clearer when it comes to running a business. If you want an approach going to bring you lots of benefits on the long term, you should not choose a low speed connection (even if it means for now paying less money). The fist thing to consider is that high speed Internet will give you better communication with your clients. You will also learn infos more rapidly. This is a big advantage for any business.

If you do depends on the Internet for lots of things (including communication), you should not ignore the advantages of high speed Internet connection. The world we live in reached a high speed on all levels so we need faster Internet connections to keep up with it.

Any ideas?

Is Now The Prime Time To Cancel Your Cable?

July 30th, 2010

With the holidays looming and the credit crunch biting, is now the time to cancel your expensive telegraph subscriptions? afterwards many false starts, now seems to be the time you can seriously use the internet for TV viewing.
No longer do you have to use a laptop or pc in the corner of the room, you can now use your big flatscreen HD TV set . By using hardware and wireless services such as Roku, Boxee, Apple TV and Netflix. You can easily set yourself up and be watching the newest movies and hit Live Internet TV shows directly on your TV.

Cut Your Cable TV
Although millions are already watching television and video pullulates via the Internet, only now is it becoming accessible to everyone. Websites like Hulu show streams and catch up tv from NBC, ABC, and Fox with a viewing figure number of over 40 million every month, this is more viewers than every Time Warner canalize put collectively, including CNN, TBS, and TNT.
You can also by making use of your broadband tie, view the BBC, CNN amongst others. There are services such as Netflix, Amazon TV on indigence, Apple’s  iTunes, and the coming Sony Online. There are many online websites where you can watch near hundreds of channels.

The real exciting development that opens internet tv to the mainstream are the new generation of  Internet enabled TV sets complete with wireless Wi-Fi reinforced in. These new thingamabob enabled televisions come from all the big manufacturers such as Sony.
When you look at whats available for free, how long can you justify paid that expensive each month cable TV subscription?

 Last month it was reported that Apple was looking for out the TV networks just about a subscription based service for tv shows at $30 per month. The idea was to base the subscription service around the iTunes service across a variety of hardware platforms.
 

iTunes Subscription Service
 Analyst of Diffusion pigeonholing, Colin Dixon commented that if Apple comes to a Comcast-owned NBC looking for a content-related deal, he believes “they’ll just say no.”
 

In other words, this could present a potential scenario where Apple could offer a subscription TV deal lacking one of the four big US networks. And still, there is no batten that CBS, Fox and even ABC are willing to deal.
Through the NBC deal, Comcast will also gain control of a number of prominent cable channels that produce original content, including USA Network, SyFy and Bravo. Content from all three cable networks, along with broadcast NBC, is currently available on iTunes.

But in 2008, the allure of 65 million viewers at iTunes proved too much for NBC Universal to stay away. After a year of absence from iTunes, the network brought its content back.

Any ideas?

Explore the range of camcorder accessories today!

July 30th, 2010

When it comes down to capturing those extraordinary moments on video recorder, be it filming your son’s rugby debut or your daughter’s first, hesitant steps, it always pays to have all of your accessories to hand – like a replacement battery. There is little more disappointing than a camcorder running out of power at inopportune moments.
 But with a little forward planning you can make sure you do not find yourself in this sort of inconvenient situation.

 Next time you are out, scout around for a bag or holdall with a pocket that may keep the substitute battery and other accessories safe and dry – even if you’re not accustomed to carrying items in this way, it’ll be constructive over the long run.
 Batteries like these nearly always come with a lengthy guaranty, so there is no need to fret should it get ruined by accident. These days, naturally, they also are re-usable, so when you replace your old battery with a fresh one, remember to drop the old one off at your local recycling station, thus playing your part in shielding the environment.

 There are plenty of other camcorder accessories available in most high street shops that would well be worth buying, as any item that can help to save you time, cash and trouble over the long run is usually worth it.
 Multi-use terminal wires ( for connecting your camcorder to your Computer, portable or television ), battery rechargers and cleaning cassettes ( to maintain or even improve picture standard ) are all part of an amateur camera user’s endorsed ‘toolbox ‘.

 If you’re sure to be filming in or near water, all sorts of trustworthy underwater cases are currently available. Fully watertight, they remove the worry and stress from your Jacques Cousteau moments!
 Many video recorder manufacturers produce corresponding tripods, which may be worth considering for family get togethers and important occasions. Putting a cap on that exasperating search for a smooth surface on which to balance your camera, you may at last be well placed to produce family video clips of a satisfactory quality. Extendable, flexible and alterable, these handy stands often fold away into a robust carry case.

 If a tripod is too bulky for your preferences, a recent addition to the market is the pocket-sized, bendy mini-tripod. Its 3 leg joints stretch and bend to whatever shape suits the situation you find yourself in, be it on a mountain top, at the rear of a dance hall or inside an automobile, and the size of the item means that you can even carry it on your person.

 Finally, if you really want to take your videos to a different level, you could think about acquiring a microphone attachment. These are made for high-quality digital camcorders and produce broadcast sound quality. Perfect for picking up the screams in the scrum or the tip-tap of little feet!

Any ideas?

Repair Motherboard Drivers

July 30th, 2010

The motherboard is the most  important   piece of hardware in your computer . In order to properly  function with the  different   devices on your computer , you need the correct  chipset drivers installed for your motherboard. If you purchase a computer , these will be installed and  functioning . However, in some situations  where you need to re-install the operating system , you can lose these drivers. If you don’t have the right  chipset drivers installed, performance  can be woeful  .

There may also be  driver updates for your particular motherboard, which can make things run a lot better . It is hard  to know if these updates are available unless you visit the manufacturer sites and research your particular motherboard model.

 If your PC is getting slow  , it can be due to a malfunctioning  motherboard or perhaps  you are missing the correct   drivers for your motherboard. Drivers can become corrupt , or they can get deleted accidentally or removed by Spyware and Viruses. Updating motherboard drivers doesn’t have to be a pain .  Don’t kill time   searching through websites for the right drivers. We show you a better method.

Fix Motherboard Drivers

The old and slow method is to identify your motherboard make and model, then surf around the manufacturer sites searching for the right driver. Some manufacturers provide update software with the hardware. Either of these is not necessarily the best way forward. We prefer to use driver management software. This software will scan a huge database of files and will automatically fix your computer with the correct drivers. The great thing about this software is that it’s not limited to motherboard drivers. You can update any and all of your drivers in a few minutes.

Using driver update software will definitely improve your entire system performance. You can fix video performance, audio quality, increase responsiveness and much more. If you have never used a driver management program, then you should download it right now. Learn much more about how to update motherboard drivers here.

I'm eager to hear your comments...