The Deadline

by Demarco, Tom

• ISBN13: 9780932633392
• ISBN10: 0932633390
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-06-01
• Publisher: Dorset House

Summary

Winner of a Software Development Jolt! Productivity AwardFrom prolific and influential consultant and author Tom DeMarco comes a project management novel that vividly illustrates the principles -- and the outright absurdities -- that affect the productivity of a software development team.With his trademark wit set free in the novel format, DeMarco centers the plot around the development of six software products. Mr. Tompkins, a manager downsized from a giant telecommunications company, divides the huge staff of developers at his disposal into eighteen teams -- three for each of the products. The teams are of different sizes and use different methods, and they compete against each other . . . and against an impossible deadline.With these teams, and with the help of numerous consultants who come to his aid, Mr. Tompkins tests the project management principles he has gathered over a lifetime. Key chapters end with journal entries that form the core of the eye-opening approaches to management illustrated in this entertaining novel.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
1 Opportunity Knocking	1	(10)
2 Standing Up to Kalbfuss	11	(6)
3 Silikon Valejit	17	(10)
4 The CD-ROM Plant	27	(9)
5 NNL	36	(11)
6 The World's Greatest Project Manager	47	(13)
7 Taking On Staff	60	(11)
8 The Eminent Dr. Rizzoli	71	(13)
9 Ex-General Markov	84	(11)
10 Abdul Jamid	95	(21)
11 The Sinister Minister Belok	116	(17)
12 The Numbers Man	133	(18)
13 QuickerStill	151	(12)
14 Morovia's First Programmer	163	(18)
15 Think Fast!	181	(19)
16 Planning for the Summer Games	200	(17)
17 The Guru of Conflict Resolution	217	(10)
18 Maestro Diyeniar	227	(20)
Interlude	239	(8)
19 Part and Whole	247	(14)
20 Standing on Ceremony	261	(15)
21 Endgame Begins	276	(13)
22 The Year's Hottest IPO	289	(11)
23 Passing Through Riga on the Way Home	300