As in a factory, Quality in software is a result of a complex myriad of factors, but it reduces to some simple concepts: an understanding of psychology, a deep understanding of statistics, knowledge and application of systems theory, and the simple idea of epistemology and scientific method applied to management and production. Finally, leadership and universal application of these concepts throughout an organization, using a PDCA cycle of continuous improvement (Agile is a rough one).
W. Edwards Deming had this all exactly correct way back in the 1940's, after WWII, where he taught these concepts to Japanese companies, transforming them from cheap crap makers into the quality powerhouse economy we know and love.
We should listen to him again. That's the "new software development" we need.
As in a factory, Quality in software is a result of a complex myriad of factors, but it reduces to some simple concepts: an understanding of psychology, a deep understanding of statistics, knowledge and application of systems theory, and the simple idea of epistemology and scientific method applied to management and production. Finally, leadership and universal application of these concepts throughout an organization, using a PDCA cycle of continuous improvement (Agile is a rough one).
W. Edwards Deming had this all exactly correct way back in the 1940's, after WWII, where he taught these concepts to Japanese companies, transforming them from cheap crap makers into the quality powerhouse economy we know and love.
We should listen to him again. That's the "new software development" we need.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming