Ever had a contrct like this?

[pacharan]

No spec, nobody knows what they want, everyone contradicting each other, no project plan, you're just dumped with a load of code to look at and some very arcane business rules scrawled on the back of a fag packet. Nobody seems to give a toss either - they just don't care

What do you do? Sit around all day every day going round in circles or grab the "project" by the scruff of the neck and kick the useless permies into action?

You get to a point where it all just be ones very frustrating as it impossible to make any progress. Then you just get bored and demotivated. That's when the rot sets in.

[jmo21]

sounds like many IT projects I've worked on, contract and permie!

[suityou01]

No spec, nobody knows what they want, everyone contradicting each other, no project plan, you're just dumped with a load of code to look at and some very arcane business rules scrawled on the back of a fag packet. Nobody seems to give a toss either - they just don't care

What do you do? Sit around all day every day going round in circles or grab the "project" by the scruff of the neck and kick the useless permies into action?

You get to a point where it all just be ones very frustrating as it impossible to make any progress. Then you just get bored and demotivated. That's when the rot sets in.

Arrange interviews with key business users and write the spec. Get sign off. Code it up.

Simples.

[MarillionFan]

Arrange interviews with key business users and write the spec. Get sign off. Code it up.

Simples.

WSYS

Take it by the scruff of the next. Tell management what they need to, what you need to do, get it signed off & agreed and then go do it.

[EternalOptimist]

get out and buy a wheelbarrow.

You are going to need it to get your loot home, because this sucker is going to run and run....

[Gibbon]

No spec, nobody knows what they want, everyone contradicting each other, no project plan, you're just dumped with a load of code to look at and some very arcane business rules scrawled on the back of a fag packet. Nobody seems to give a toss either - they just don't care

What do you do? Sit around all day every day going round in circles or grab the "project" by the scruff of the neck and kick the useless permies into action?

You get to a point where it all just be ones very frustrating as it impossible to make any progress. Then you just post on CUK and invoice like every other subbie.

[suityou01]

WSYS

Take it by the scruff of the next. Tell management what they need to, what you need to do, get it signed off & agreed and then go do it.

It will be good experience anyways, and good CV fodder.

Spec should contain the functional requirements (be these the new functional requirements) or reverse engineered from the code.

If the project is already part written (without these requirements in place) then you will need to do a gap analysis of what is there versus the requirements. Then this gap analysis will become an impact analysis, which gives rise to estimates.

These estimates go into the project plan.

You need to be careful that you don't become everything to all men, you need to divide your time between the various activities. If you are doing 25% business analysis, 25% project management then you are only available 50% of the time to do coding. Then again, I would never 100% allocate someone in a plan.

Don't forget to allow a 30% Contingency for unit testing, system integration testing.

Also you need a commitment from the business to do UAT. Agree the terms of reference with the business and this includes their commitment, amount of man hours, responsibilites. Get this signed off as well.

[DimPrawn]

WSYS

Take it by the scruff of the next. Tell management what they need to, what you need to do, get it signed off & agreed and then go do it.

Do that on a public sector project and you'll be out the door in no time!

Seriously, I made the mistake of trying to get a project moving that had everyone sitting around for 18 months and was quietly asked to leave.

[Gibbon]

Do that on a public sector project and you'll be out the door in no time!

Seriously, I made the mistake of trying to get a project moving that had everyone sitting around for 18 months and was quietly asked to leave.

Yep.

Golden rule : Invoice
Silver rule : Invoice
Bronze rule : A good subby adapts to the client culture whatever that may be. Aim to be a bit better than the average permie so they can see your worth but not better than the resident top dog no matter how low his standards.

Adherence to these results in long contracts, lots of holidays and early retirement with a stash.

If you want to change the world etc and show how clever you are then IT/software won't do that as it's so damn easy that even I can do it.

[DimPrawn]

Yep.

Golden rule : Invoice
Silver rule : Invoice
Bronze rule : A good subby adapts to the client culture whatever that may be. Aim to be a bit better than the average permie so they can see your worth but not better than the resident top dog no matter how low his standards.

Adherence to these results in long contracts, lots of holidays and early retirement with a stash.

If you want to change the world etc and show how clever you are then IT/software won't do that as it's so damn easy that even I can do it.

He speaketh the truth. Have some +ve reputation.

The aim of the game is to make good money easily and for the longest possible period.