Re: Java programmer production -- JAVA400-L

Hello Titan,

I was a Leader on a previous project where we used
Metrics & Estimation very extensively. Our preffered
method of evaluating a specific project was based on
Function Point Analysis. Everything was sized in terms
of Function Points, which is completely independent of
everything physical (i.e. hardware, implementation,
language, lines of code, etc). The problem is that it
takes quite a bit of time and effort to train someone
to be a good Function Point Analyst. 

However, you probably have a defect database. Maybe
you could add a ranking to each defect at some point
early in the process (i.e. low, medium, high, or
numeric like 1 to 5). After the developer is done,
he/she may provide input to adjust the ranking up or
down a little based on the actual effort. You will
know how long it takes each developer to complete a
"high" or "5" defect, as well as a "low" or "1"
defect. These rankings should provide you a better
feel for an individual's performance.

However, if you are able to allocate one person to
train on Function Point Analysis, it's still a great
way to go, because the true power of that skill is to
be able to use the information for Project
Metrics/Estimation. It also guards against developers
trying to "fudge" the complexity of a specific work
item.

Now I have a question for you...
I am about to take on a job as the lead (and only)
Java developer in an AS400 shop. They are trying to
get rid of a fat client application and replace it
with a browser based thin client version. The problem
is that I have never developed any Enterprise Solution
with an AS400 as the backend... it's always been Unix
or Windows servers, but nothing legacy like this.  Do
you have any good information, references, links,
documentation... anything on Java & Enterprise
Solutions for AS400's?.

Thanks,
Ivan Hurtado

--- TitanRebel <TitanRebel@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I am a Team Leader for a small group of Java
> programmers (5) in an 
> iSeries shop. My company is changing the employee
> review process. 
> Employee and Manager/Team Leader will establish
> goals to be met for the 
> upcomming year. Then at the end of the year the
> employee will be given a 
> review and compensation based on the established
> goals. Sounds simple. 
> However, upper management wants quantifiable goals.
> Goals that can be 
> measured with a great degree of accuracy. I am
> having a hard time 
> comming up with ideas. Do any of you have this sort
> of system? 
> Experience with any sort of quantitative programmer
> review process would 
> be great. Have any of you tried it, and have it
> fail?
> 
> Everything that I have thought of seems to have a
> problem...
> Lines of code -- I'd rather have 10 lines that work,
> than 100 that may 
> or may not!
> Number of enhancements/bug fixes -- Is there really
> an average size bug? 
> enhancement? Some are much larger and more extensive
> than others.
> 
> Any suggestions would be great! Obviously, this is
> not a specific 
> problem to Java. Our RPG programmers/managers are
> having the same questions.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> P.S. I know someone will ask what the process was
> before... It was up to 
> the employee's immediate Team Leader/Manager as to
> what the employee's 
> performance was during the year. Purely subjective.
> In case you are 
> wondering why... two words... Compensation
> Consultant.
> 
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