njschro's blog

In this chapter, Berkun explores multiple aspects and definitions of specifications. I had a good idea of the various types of specs, but Berkun gave me a more robust perspective. In the section titled “Specifying is Not Designing,” he makes a valid point; one that triggers memories of past projects – where I found myself torn between designing specs more than expressing them. According to Berkun, I should be mindful of this situation and “…be focused on expressing an existing plan or set of decisions in the best possible way” (Berkun, 2008).

Another part of this chapter that I see as valuable is the section “Writing for One Versus Writing for Many.” I admire his ideas on this topic because I noticed that, when writing my proposal and mindmap, there was a change shortly after. This change was present in how I formulated the training – and how I would communicate the use of these technologies to Claudia. This is a good thing to keep in mind also because I need to know who I am writing for (her, me, or the both of us). And the best way to do this, according to Berkun, “..is to separate explanations of behavior or functionality in the spec from issues or questions about the current descriptions” (Berkun, 2008).

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind for the duration of this project and for the start of other freelance opportunities, lies in Berkun’s words, “Smart preparation minimizes work.”

I like how Berkun breaks down the types of projects. After understanding his criteria, I consider myself SuperNick: The Solo Superman. 🙂 In being responsible for all phases of this project, I plan on maintaining my status not as a vigilante with super powers, but as a project management superstar.

Organizing my approach:

Figure 3-1, Chapter 3, "Making Things Happen" by Scott Berkun

To better organize and prioritize my deliverables, I created a mindmap via MindMeister. This is a great tool for a person who thinks like me. And now that I think about it… It is somewhat related to the article we read on Systems Thinking. I make this connection because the writer seemed to be saying that the creation of “archetypes” are good for understanding a system.

To capstone the production planning, here is a mindmap I created. This will give you a good idea of what is in store for me this semester. It is a visual reiteration of my Table of Deliverables and Timeline – taken from my proposal. On this map (see embedded or click on URL) you will see the entire project and details. Thanks to its synchronizing capabilities, I receive notices for each phase of the project through gmail, twitter, and my bgsu email. 🙂

http://www.mindmeister.com/41254590/milestones-and-deliverables

One of the outstanding quotes that cut to the core of me was on the topic of mutual scheduling. “In order to allow customers or partners to make plans based on a given project, a time has to be agreed upon for when specific things will happen” (Berkun, 24). This is something that I have been trying to reach via Google Wave. The wave application is based online and allows Claudia and I to add content, usually in the form of text, to collaborate on the schedule for the project. Use of the wave tool is also the epitome of “…publishing the documents for the group” (Berkun, 59).

I also want to incorporate more time for add/cut discussions because I see training and explanation of podcasting strategies a necessary topic to discuss. Although I always probe for client feedback, Berkun highlights that it is directly related to the length of milestones for the time frame of the project.

I enjoy how Berkun structured his preface because he immediately touches the reader’s demographics. That is, I enjoy knowing who he has in mind while reading this book. Although he mentions that it is not required to read it all the way through – chapter to chapter, I fancy myself a holistic thinker and will read it from page to page. This is particularly useful when using Bertalanffy’s systems approach.

One outstanding aspect of history of time management in chapter 1 is the aspect of learning from mistakes. And he gives the brilliant example from Petroski’s book. With Berkun’s experience in Microsoft, I imagine he was able to delineate the various “flavors” of management. These flavors – ci sonno multi gusti, as they say in Italian, range from project to project and group to group. The trick, he admits, is to learn from other people’s failures. I can definitely add my failures to this mix, too!

It’s equally valid a point when he illustrates the relationships of seemingly entirely different fields of expertise. When he wrote about similar management habits, as he observed from chefs and hospitals, I thought about my experiences in the Center for Teaching and Learning. I work in a high-paced environment, where synergistic actions can easily be seen by the outsider as intense.

The most resonating section in this chapter is the Pressure and Distraction section. I have often had problems with this because I am very inquisitive. When something shiny is put in front of me, I go into this hyper-focus sort of fascination. I feel this is a prime example of how I confused process with goals. I will keep in mind that there are just three things: the goals, a pile of work, and a bunch of people. Moreover, there must be a good balance to follow through.

I just got off the phone with Claudia and we agreed to meet tomorrow for lunch. We are going to be talking about her website and coming up with solutions to make this a key promotional item. I can’t wait!

Claudia’s response to my email – where I introduced myself and the class outline – was very promising. She is excited to work with me and can’t wait to get into meetings! She is going to call me in the next couple days.

I am very excited to start working with my client. I will be working with Claudia Boyd Barrett, a journalist for NPR. It is my understanding that she wants a website to publish her experiences. I found out about Claudia from my telecommunications professor, Gi Woong Yun.

(“Hello, everyone!” in Italian)

This is the beginning of something great!