As a semi-retired software professional with 30 years of experience, I provide limited consulting services to companies seeking to enhance their software development processes. My focus is on helping organizations improve their project management frameworks, streamline development workflows, and implement best practices in Agile and Scrum methodologies.
With a background in both hands-on development and process optimization, I offer tailored solutions to teams looking to refine their development cycles, ensure software compliance, and build high-performance teams. Whether it’s implementing Agile frameworks, providing strategic guidance, or helping with candidate screening, my goal is to help organizations achieve more efficient, high-quality software delivery.
1. Scrum and Agile Development Process Setup
- Scrum Framework Implementation: Helping teams adopt Scrum to improve their project management and software delivery by creating structured, iterative processes. This includes defining roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), conducting Scrum ceremonies (daily stand-ups, sprints, sprint reviews), and ensuring agile principles are followed.
- Process Optimization: Analyzing and refining existing development processes to better align with Agile practices. This could involve improving sprint planning, retrospectives, and backlog grooming to ensure the teams are working at peak efficiency.
- Coaching and Training: Offering on-site or virtual training to developers, Scrum Masters, and Product Owners to build their understanding and mastery of Scrum and Agile methodologies.
2. Candidate Screening and Talent Acquisition
- Job Role Definition and Requirement Analysis: Helping companies clarify the skills, experience, and mindset they need for new hires in development roles.
- Interviewing and Screening: Conducting technical interviews, assessing problem-solving skills, and evaluating candidates’ familiarity with Agile/Scrum processes. You could also guide hiring teams in crafting interview questions and evaluating cultural fit.
- Skill Assessment and Testing: Creating or administering coding challenges and practical assessments to evaluate candidates’ technical proficiency, as well as their ability to adapt to a Scrum environment.
3. Software Compliance and Standards
- Regulatory Compliance: Assisting companies in understanding and implementing the necessary regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2, that their software development processes must adhere to.
- Internal Process Auditing: Conducting audits to ensure that development processes comply with industry best practices and regulatory standards. This could include reviewing code quality, security practices, and documentation standards.
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Improvements: Helping to establish or refine SDLC processes to ensure quality, security, and compliance are prioritized throughout all stages of development—from planning through deployment and maintenance.
Additional Services:
- Agile Transformation: For companies transitioning from waterfall or traditional project management methods to Agile frameworks, offering guidance, support, and training to ensure a smooth change.
- Tooling and Automation Recommendations: Advising on the best tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Git) to support Agile processes, along with automating tasks like testing, deployment, and reporting.
- Full Implementation: An end-to-end service, from assessing the company’s current processes to implementing Scrum and training the team.
- Consulting and Advisory: Ongoing support for companies that already have Scrum in place but need guidance on overcoming specific challenges or making improvements.
- Audits and Compliance Checks: Targeted services focusing on reviewing the company’s compliance with industry standards and improving their internal processes.
I take on a select number of clients each month, ensuring I can dedicate the time and expertise needed to truly make an impact. If you’re looking for a partner to guide your team through process improvements or Agile transformations, feel free to reach out.