Software Process

Productivity Press Basics Process Mapping Productive/lean Mfg Refbk
$11.43
Books, Publications & Software Applications: Lean Manufacturing Subcategory: Process Mapping Title: The Basics of Process Mapping Publication Type: Publication Author: Robert Damelio Publisher: Productivity Press

Software Process Dynamics
$90.50
Having been around software process engineering for over 15 years it is nice to see it presented with a dynamic view, instead of the common static view.

It doesn't claim to be the next silver bullet, but it does do a great job of putting all the silver bullets to come about over the past several years in their place. It offers a refreshing realistic view on the state of software processes, and then moves into how to capture their essence with simulation software and system dynamics.

The author makes it clear that the book defines system dynamics as a methodology to implement systems thinking and leverage learning efforts. The book also discusses discrete-event simulation, and the trade-offs throughout.

SEI just published a good paper on discrete-event simulation and using it to gauge CMMI levels of a given process. Google for "Moving Up the CMMI Capability and Maturity Levels Using Simulation".

The book also does a great job of relating simulation to the CMM levels.

The overall theme is not one of predictions, but rather one of learning and deeper insight into software processes.

The author clearly defines and explains the different contexts of process model. He explains it as it is used for simulation, life-cycles (waterfall, RUP, WinWin, MBASE, agile, etc.), and frameworks (CMMI, Six Sigma, etc.).

The first chapter of the book is available on the Wiley web site. It contains a lot of great information. The author also has a book site that I have noticed being updated over the past couple of weeks.

The book is very well written and it has a nice logical flow to it. I would recommend this book to anyone involved with software engineering. Project Managers, Architects, and Developers all stand to gain from it's insight.

Pantone Process Guide Cmyk 4 Guide Set (coated Uncoated)
$129.00
The spot color alternative, the Pantone 4-COLOR PROCESS GUIDES contain over 3,000 chromatically arranged CMYK color combinations on coated and uncoated stock. These guides are an ideal way to visualize, communicate and control colors for type, logos, borders, backgrounds and other graphics treatments. Screen tint percentages are provided to enable accurate color reproduction. Latest Enhancements: 1) Longer size format; 2) Two-column layout; 3) Slimmer profile; 4) Whiter, more durable coated paper

Microsoft Visio Standard 2007
$259.95
The only reason I bought this version of Office was because others in our office were using it and 2003 isn't fully compatible with 2007. If 2003 was still readily available and we could keep everyone on that I would. Otherwise, 2007 is fine - about what you would expect from Microsoft.