Agile Anti-Pattern: Frankenstein Project Planning

AntiPattern Separation of Concerns in Product Planning by kjudy

Separation of Concerns is a classic software design consideration but in this anti-pattern, management takes a coherent concern (i.e. what opportunity does a potential software project represent), breaks it apart and tasks the pieces out to siloed business units.

One group creates revenue models to meet to top line goals, another group models costs as fixed budgets, yet other groups devise features and schedules. All without engaged participation by the developers who will be asked to implement.

Each actor has strong motivations to push one agenda (high revenues, low costs, aggressive schedules, ambitious feature lists) without offsetting responsibility for other concerns. The result is impossible project expectations.

Finally these separate models are patched together into a PowerPoint presentation and called a “plan”. “It’s alive! It’s alive!”

Related anti-pattern: the Anemic Management Matrix.

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About Ken Judy

I am an executive leader, software developer, father and husband trying to do more good than harm. I am an agile practitioner. I say this fully aware I say nothing. Sold as a tool to solve problems, agile is more a set of principles that encourage us to confront problems. Broad adoption of the jargon has not resulted in wide embrace of these principles. I strive to create material and human good by respecting co-workers, telling truth to employers, improving my skills, and caring for the people affected by the software I help build.