Chicago Software Process Improvement Network

 (C-SPIN) Meeting 

AT&T Center Campus

AT&T Institute 2501 W. Eagle Way at

 Lakewood Blvd and Eagle Way, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Be sure to check the C-SPIN website (http://c-spin.net/) to confirm details.

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009 

6:00 - 7:00 PM – Atrium: Registration, Networking, & Light Refreshments

6:20 - 6:40 PM – Birds-of-a-Feather Topic – What does it take to be Agile?

7:00 - 8:30 PM – Auditorium: Presentation

8:30 - 9:00 PM – Auditorium: Additional Q&A and discussion

Program:  Adopting Agile in a Regulated Environment

Presenter:  J.R. Jenks, AgileTek

Abstract

The presentation will focus on the challenges companies face when using an agile software process on projects especially in regulated environments e.g. FDA, FAA: large company conservative culture, regulatory documentation, requirements tracing, and bias towards waterfall development.

Skeptics have argued that agile is best suited for small and medium-sized companies and wrongly perceive agile as limited, negating its use in the highly regulated corporate world. AgileTek will demonstrate how they have consistently and successfully implemented agile in large sized companies operating in highly regulated environments.

About the Presenter

J.R. Jenks is proud to say that he grew up with the computer industry. He first learned to program as a child when programming meant linking to an HP2000 mainframe using a Teletype and a 100 bps modem. He recalls that his family owned one of the first models of a personal computer, the KIM-1, which they built from a kit.

That sense of curiosity and experimentation has carried J.R. forward and he has remained at the leading edge of computer technology and design for almost 20 years. He wrote one of the first automated test harnesses for the Win32 platform, bringing the Extreme Programming practice of "Relentless Testing" to COM and Windows development. J.R. was an early practitioner and advocate of XP in his capacity as Technology Architect at Geneer Corporation.

J.R. is AgileTek's Chief Technology Officer. He brings to the job his hands-on experience and proficiency with a vast array of technologies, including XML, Enterprise Java, Open Source Software, .NET and Automated Testing.
His industry background includes applications and design done for bio-tech, nuclear power plants, aerospace, insurance and a wide variety of manufacturers.

Driving and Parking Directions

            From I-90 Northwest Tollway, exit North on Barrington Road. Take Barrington Road to Lakewood Blvd (2nd light) and turn East (right) onto Lakewood Blvd.  Turn right into the AT&T Campus Center’s West Employee Entrance (the first entrance past Eagle Way) and follow the signs to the West Parking Structures.

            Parking in covered lot W3 is recommended.  Look for parking spaces near the west entrance/exit of parking structure W3.  Then walk west from the parking structure to the Institute Building to the main door, which has a big ENTRANCE sign over the door.  The Institute is approximately 100 yards from the parking structure--back across the road you came on.  Visit http://www.c-spin.net for a map of the AT&T Campus Center.  (Additional parking is available in covered lot W2 as well as upper level parking lot W1.) 

About C-SPIN

               C-SPIN is a leadership forum for the free and open exchange of software process improvement experiences and practical ideas. We promote achieving higher levels of process maturity, software quality, and mutual respect. Companies, academic institutions, government organizations, and individuals are invited. For information about C-SPIN or the steering committee, contact Karen Mermel at kmermel@yahoo.com.

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