What to Do? Yes, What to Do.

BeyeNETWORK has an interesting article by Bill Inmon, posted Thursday, on development methodology. In it, he describes what he calls typical results of management's ideas of getting things done:

“…The methodology was impressive. It came in several black three-ringed binders. It carried with it very official sounding text, along with lots of small line diagrams. It described many steps to be accomplished in the development process.

“Prior to the arrival of the methodology, the development at our company was done by a development staff that had been building systems for years. Then, one day, this methodology appeared – and absolutely nothing in the development process changed. The methodology was respectfully placed on a shelf in top management’s office. It probably still remains there today – untouched and unopened – continuing to gather dust.…”

He also illustrates a methodology that does work. Merit badges. Boy Scout merit badges. Hmmmm…