What Should Be Done to Minimize Risk Simultaneously Changing Both Language and Development Methodology?
Simultaneously changing two technologies on a project is not only a common event, but is often necessary for the new language’s benefits to emerge. However, this will increase the risks associated with the development effort. Therefore, management must take active steps to mitigate the increased risk. These steps fall into four categories: • Information Buying Action:PEO and PM staff and the contractor/developer should procure training that emphasizes not only the methodology and language, but also the interactions between them. PEOs and PMs should then hire an experienced consultant to help mentor the development team and lower the risk. The consultant should focus on the effect that the changes will have on other software development processes and products such as documentation or testing. It is especially important that the consultant focus on those areas where the language and the methodology suggest conflicting changes. The PM staff should make use of the Internet, which provides
