Introduction to the Team Software Process

Watts Humphrey is the visionary behind the Capability Maturity Model (CMM)(R) and the Personal Software Process (PSP) (sm). The CMM contains a framework for software process improvement at the organizational level. The PSP builds the self-discipline needed for individual programmers to work efficiently and effectively. The author's new Team Software Process (TSP) (sm) details methods to guide the formation of software development teams, to motivate their work, and to enhance their productivity.

This book describes an introductory version of TSP, ideal for smaller projects but also useful for learning basic techniques and procedures that apply to other development projects. Methods presented include:

• how to establish roles;
• how to conceive, design, and plan a project;
• how to track and report on progress.

The book walks readers through a complete development cycle, illustrating:

• how best to use the talents at hand;
• how to formulate well-defined goals;
• how to coordinate activities for maximum progress;
• how to promote effective communication;
• how to alleviate many of the conflicts that undermine teamwork.

Team members should not have to expend valuable time and energy reinventing ways to organize and run their team. By following a proven process, the team will more quickly be able to focus on the successful completion of the project itself. To help a team course apply these methods, the book provides two project exercises, with prescribed development goals and team roles.

Known as “the father of software quality,” Watts S. Humphrey is the author of numerous influential books on the software-development process and software process improvement. Humphrey is a fellow of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University, where he founded the Software Process Program and provided the vision and early leadership for the original Capability Maturity Model (CMM). He also is the creator of the Personal Software Process (PSP) and Team Software Process (TSP). Recently, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology—the highest honor given by the president of the United States to America's leading innovators.