Re-read Saturday, Actionable Agile Volume II, Week 13, Final Thoughts

Actionable Agile Metrics Volume II, Advanced Topics in Predictability (AA Advanced Topics) introduces and reinforces several ideas for using metrics in software-centric programs. If you are working in the software world, the ideas and concepts are still useful in any scenario where the flow of work is important. The bottom line is that I highly recommend this book.

This book is the first time we have re-read a second volume in a series. AA Advanced Topics assumes you have read Volume 1 and to a lesser extent, its sister volume, When Will It Be Done. If you haven’t read either, make sure to read Volume I (including the re-read notes) before Volume II.

The key to learning from the book is understanding that a reliable process requires considering all the ways things can be different – variability. Don’t skip the Preface! It is far too easy to see a variation in flow as something special or a trend rather than what the system is capable of. If this book sharpens your understanding of variation it is well worth the money.

The two readings of this book were useful. I got a big-picture sense of the book and its ideas during the first. During the second pass, I discerned nuances and filled gaps in my knowledge. There are two concepts that struck home from reading AA this time.

The first is how to construct and use XmR charts. Before my first reading of this book, I did not get it. I do now and I am sorry I did not get it in years past. The combination of natural process limits, the moving range chart, and Shewhart’s rules for interpreting observations are hugely powerful. If this was all I got from this book it would have been worth the time, effort, and cost.

But wait, there is more…isn’t that reminiscent of late-night infomercials of the 1980s? During my second, more in-depth read of the book, the importance of Shewhart’s rules and Wheeler’s principles of data presentation stood out. The fact that a second read of the book turned up broadly useful ideas shows the depth of Actionable Agile Volume II.

I see several presentations in a normal week. I am convinced that some people believe that if a document isn’t in slide form with graphics on every page then communication is not possible. Shewhart’s first rule is, “Data should always be presented in such a way that preserves the evidence in the data for the predictions that may be made from the data.” Examples of using this rule would include graphs accompanied by data tables. Another would be using time series charts when time is part of context instead of presentation styles that hide time. Histograms often obscure time. I strongly suggest carefully copying Shewhart and Wheeler’s rules on index cards and taping them to your monitor. Note, if you want to go all in, I can probably get you a price on having the rules and principles tattooed on your body.

Actionable Agile Metrics Volume II has earned a place on my useful bookshelf. I must admit I am struggling with the concept of the “useful” bookshelf when the book is in electronic format — perhaps a folder? However, before you put the book on the shelf, add the XmR formulas, Shewhart’s and Wheeler’s rules and principles of data presentation, and a definition of variation in your notes. The act of writing them down will help etch them in your mind so you can use them!

Next week we will begin our re-read of Deep Work by Cal Newport. Buy a copy and read or re-read along.

Buy a copy and get reading – Actionable Agile Metrics Volume II, Advanced Topics in Predictability.

Week 1: Re-read Logistics and Preface – https://bit.ly/4adgxsC

Week 2: Wilt The Stilt and Definition of Variation – https://bit.ly/4aldwGN

Week 3: Variation and Predictability – https://bit.ly/3tAVWhq

Week 4: Process Behavior Charts Part 1 – https://bit.ly/3Huainr

Week 5: Process Behavior Charts Part 2 – https://bit.ly/424O5Wc

Week 6: How Much Data? – https://bit.ly/47GVP24

Week 7: Detecting Signals – https://bit.ly/3SjwfdO

Week 8: XmR Charts and the Four Basic Metrics of Flow – https://bit.ly/48j5AU9

Week 9: Myths and Other Considerations – https://bit.ly/3SvfgVU

Week 10: VoP, VoC, Predictability, Monte Carlo – https://bit.ly/3UGdxzT