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Peopleware : Productive Projects and Teams, 2nd Ed. (平装)
by Tom Demarco, Timothy Lister
| Category:
IT, Software, Technology |
| Market price: ¥ 378.00
MSL price:
¥ 338.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
The book made a clear and compelling augument that the human factor, not technology, makes or breaks a software development effort. |
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AllReviews |
  1 2 Total 2 pages 15 items |
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Heath (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-10 00:00>
This is a good book on software management; however, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The references to the intercom paging system definitely date the book. I doubt this is really an issue anymore, but I am glad that it is not. Also, most companies are not going to allow the control over office space that is recommended in the book. This is where the book goes a little "pie in the sky" to me.
There is still a lot of good material for managers to consider. The authors make a very good point in the "true story" about the manager that brought soup in to an ill employee who was trying to meet a deadline. Management's job is to make it possible for people to work - not just to make them work.
I also found the information on teamwork to be very true based on my experience. I've seen defensive management at its worst, and how it was terrible to the team environment. Defensive management is a result of not following one of the earlier concepts of hiring the right people. Ultimately if you don't trust people to get the job done, why did you hire them in the first place?
Most of the information is not new nor is it really profound. However, that is the kind of thing that is usually taken for granted. The authors have given the material a good treatment and encourge the readers against this very thing. |
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-10 00:00>
The book was written about software development projects, but is absolutely loaded with insight not just on that subject, but on management styles and workplace conditions and rules. One can read this book and become genuinely excited about the potential explosion of productivity, hand-in-hand with employee job satisfaction, that could occur if managers would simply follow the advice given by the authors on how to be effective workplace leaders.
Alas, it probably won't ever happen. Several years ago, the large (Fortune 20) company I worked for brought in Timothy Lister to present the book and the ideas in it to management prior to the start of a major software project. Lister did an excellent job presenting his and DeMarco's philosophy. The managers nodded sagely and showed every sign of comprehending and accepting the concepts contained in the book. Then Lister left, the project started, and the managers immediately reverted to the old style: setting unrealistic deadlines, pressuring employees to deliver more and more in less and less time, and in general following every tired old management strategy that almost always leads to a failed project - as indeed, it did in this case.
So read this book, learn from it, and enjoy it (it's an easy, entertaining read) - even if your managers are too stupid to profit from it. |
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-10 00:00>
This book is well worth reading for both low level employees and managers. Although directed at the software development community, the book presents many ideas which would be useful in a wide range of companies.
It's amazing how many of the situations described in this book are familiar, or are at least situations that I could easily imagine occurring in the office work environment.
Yes, the book was written quite a while ago, but I think it's still very relevant today. Highly recommended reading, and enjoyable too. The authors really have a sense of humor. |
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David Durovy (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-10 00:00>
Lister and Demarco capture in this text the essence of why so many projects and initiatives fail across corporate landscapes - communication, planning, structure, and leadership. Most are lacking in today's fast-paced environments, whether driven by technology or not.
While the text has a bent for software development, the arguements and suggestions are valid across a wide number of management and project planning scenarios. Even if you're not able to implement their theories in your own organization, reading of the case studies and best practices can be therapeutic to see how "someone actually gets it." I have a photo-copy of one of the pages that addresses "burnout" on my cubicle wall. I often go back and re-read it to focus, breathe deeply, and plod along.
This book is HIGHLY recommended for personal reading, distribution to a team, or to your "management" at work. Very thought provoking and accessible. |
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R. Johnson (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-10 00:00>
Peopleware is a quick read that gets to the point. The point is; what is needed for a successful software development effort. Anyone familiar with software projects won't find any high level solutions.
We all know what is wrong with projects, we just don't know how to change them for the better. DeMarco and Lister give quick examples, statistics or suggestions on how to make those changes. For example, the myth that providing a window for all employees is to expensive is quickly shot down simply by comparing the price per square foot for office space in Denmark before and after the legislature required the everyone have their own window.
The writing is compelling. My QA manager quickly read the short chapter entitled "The Black Team". He now has made it a personal mission to tear into every piece of code submitted for testing as if the reputation of the company depended on it; which it does, which is the point. |
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1 2 Total 2 pages 15 items |
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