Today we begin the read of Actionable Agile Metrics Volume II, Advanced Topics in Predictability by Daniel S. Vacanti. This is the second of Mr. Vacanti’s books we have covered in Re-read Saturday. The 260-page book includes a Preface, 14 Chapters broken into two sections, two appendices, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index (hooray). 

I am planning to cover this book in approximately 16 weeks. Reviewing the book, there are several chapters that I can see combining into a single week and a few chapters that will take a couple of weeks to think through. I also suspect that I may lose one or so weekends to holidays. I am targeting completing this read on March 31st. 

I have read both of Mr. Vacanti’s previous books. I recommend both and suggest that at the very least you read the first Actionable Agile Metrics book before you read this book. Our re-read of the first volume is a solid adjunct to your read. 

Preface 

Predictability is important for teams and organizations. Without predictability, it is impossible to build and hold trust. The Preface and this book (and the others in the series) is written to further our understanding of variability in processes and how it can be measured. We measure so that we can take action. Vacanti states in the Preface, “Building a predictable process, therefore, begins and ends with an understanding of variation.” 

All rigorous discussions of variation and predictability are built on the shoulders of giants; Shewhart, Deming, and Wheeler to name a few of the luminaries. Vacanti states that the industry “continually chooses to ignore their teachings” and therefore is prone to misconstrued trends and making false inferences. The knowledge of variability in processes is not like the lost library of Alexandria, we choose to ignore (and at our peril). As we read (or re-read) I suggest diving into any topic that catches your attention. I will happily suggest further reading or you can pop into the Bibliography section of this book and go deep.
Next week we begin in earnest. Buy a copy of Actionable Agile Metrics Volume II, Advanced Topics in Predictability, and get reading…