Past Presentation | Software Excellence Alliance

The April 2024 tech talk was presented by David Tuma

Abstract

We’ve all been there: working long hours, late nights and weekends, under immense pressure to finish a release after missed deadlines and project overruns. Fortunately, there is a better way!

This presentation will describe a proven set of tools and techniques for planning and tracking that teams can use to make and keep commitments, increase agility, and delight their customers. Come learn how you can retake control, for yourself, and your team.

About the Presenter

David Tuma is a graduate of MIT, with a passion for exceptional software development. He has contributed to the success of numerous projects in roles ranging from architecture to coding, security assessment to causal analysis, and project management to coaching.

In his support for exceptional practices, he created (and continues to evolve) an open-source toolset called the Process Dashboard, which has been used by tens of thousands of developers worldwide.

David is an active member of the SEA Executive Team and the SEA Data Warehouse Working Group.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Defense and Military Uses

Past Presentation

The March 2024 Tech Talk was presented by Capers Jones

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new technology that is changing many fields. One of these is the way military equipment will be operated. Instead of human pilots, future aircraft will be controlled by artificial intelligence. There will also be AI submarines without crews, and AI-controlled battle tanks. This article explores possible examples of AI-designed and operated military equipment.

About the Presenter

Capers Jones is a prominent figure in the field of software engineering, having made significant contributions to the development and improvement of software processes. He is widely recognized for his expertise in software metrics, software project management, and software quality assurance. His work has influenced industry standards and practices, making him a respected authority in the software engineering community.

Capers is the co-founder and CTO of Global Artificial Intelligence Consultants (GAIC). Previously, he served as vice president and Chief Technology Officer of Namcook Analytics LLC, founder of Software Productivity Research (SPR), chief scientist at Artemis Management Systems, Assistant Director of Programming Technology for the ITT Corporation, and also held various positions at IBM, Crane Corporation, and several government agencies.

Capers Jones is a well-known author and sought-after international public speaker. He currently resides in Sarasota, Florida.

Embracing Generative AI: The Future Isn’t Written, It’s Generated!

The February 2024 Tech Talk was presented by Chandika Mendis

Abstract

The printing press birthed the Renaissance. The steam engine sparked the Industrial Age. Now, Generative AI stands poised to be the Gutenberg of our time. This revolutionary tech isn’t just tools – it’s a productivity paradigm shift, impacting the industries and use-cases we least expected to be impacted through Artificial Intelligence: those use-cases we thought epitomized human intelligence and creativity. This paradigm shift opens up amazing new opportunities while also exposing us to new kinds of risks.

This talk attempts to explore the impact of Generative AI on our future and how we can embrace it:

Introduction to generative AI and its impact across industries
Practical applications and real-world examples
Common challenges and approach to adoption
Understand the risks and new threats this technology opens up

Now is our chance to embrace this new technology or be swept away by its tide.

About the Presenter

Chandika Mendis is a senior technology leader who plays the roles of CTO, board advisor, and angel investor for a number of tech startups. Prior to his current roles, he was the EVP and Global Head of Engineering for Virtusa. He lead the innovation teams that created award-winning IP that were a key part of Virtusa’s strategic competitive advantage. Chandika’s technology contributions were instrumental in driving Virtusa’s growth, from 300 when he joined in 2003, to 45,000 when he left in 2023 to pursue his passion helping early-stage startups. The teams under his purview won the Stevie Award for the best IT Team, the Gold Stevie for the most Innovative Technology Company, as well as the Best Product award in multiple categories. Chandika was also responsible for setting up the processes and systems to scale engineering governance activities, as well as mentoring senior technologists at Virtusa. Since leaving Virtusa, Chandika has been involved with startups leveraging innovative technologies including Generative AI, Industrial Metaverse and Cybersecurity.

Navigating the Storm of Change: Five Keys For Exceptional Leaders to Thrive in 2024

The January 2024 Tech Talk was presented by Alan Willett

Abstract

The past decade has been challenging for leaders everywhere. But the surge of challenges coming in 2024 may make the preceding years seem like the calm before the storm.

Looking ahead, it is easy to predict additional supply chain disruptions, increasing pressures of geopolitics, volatile economic changes, and dramatic increases in the powers of artificial intelligence. These are just some of the external forces of change that leaders will face.

We must also consider rising internal challenges, such as the need to lead a virtual/hybrid workforce, the rise of workplace toxicity, and the accelerating demand for more value, faster.

Alan Willett, an award-winning author and leadership expert, will provide insights into five keys that leaders will need in order to not just survive in 2024, but to thrive – and to hone their personal system for “perfect balance.”

About the Presenter

Alan Willett

Expert consultant, speaker, and award-winning author of Leading the Unleadable: How to Manage Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People and Lead With Speed, Alan Willett is co-founder of Exceptional Difference. For more than two decades, Alan has worked with clients around the world, including the UK, Turkey, South Africa, China, India, Canada, and Mexico, and throughout the United States. Alan’s passionate work has focused on leadership, with laser focus on the unique challenges of leading in the elevated pressure environments of high-technology developments.

Alan’s background in technology started with the first program he wrote at age 13, and his passion has continued to this day. Earlier in his career, Willett was a key leader at Xerox and designed high-end production systems. After leaving Xerox, Alan joined the world’s leading think tank for high-technology development, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), located at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. At SEI, Alan joined other renowned thought leaders in developing cutting-edge methodologies adopted by corporations globally, including the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) and the Team Software Process (TSP).

His personal backstory enlivens his writing and his speaking. He grew up on a dairy farm that had been in the family for over 170 years, and which was honored as the dairy farm of the year for New York state for many years running. Alan encourages everyone to get out there and make a positive difference in the world.

Failure. Pragmatic Lessons Learned the Hard Way

The December 2023 Tech Talk was presented by Rick Kelly

Abstract

Rick Kelly will talk about lessons learned in systems engineering in weapons development. His lesson were informed by his life on the farm.

“I grew up on a small farm. On that farm, our deadlines were very real. We had to get the plowing done in time to plant. We had to get the hay in before it rained. And money was always tight so we couldn’t just buy our way out of problems.

So, I grew up knowing that preventive maintenance was critical. That maintenance made problems less likely, but it didn’t eliminate them. When any piece of equipment broke, our approach to fixing it was very pragmatic. We would use what was on hand before we would ever go buy something new. “

That pragmatic view informed his career and greatly influenced his ability to learn from failure. With that backdrop, this talk will provide a few of the key lessons he learned from the failures he has seen in his career.

About the Presenter

Rick Kelly

Rick Kelly has pursued system engineering excellence over his forty-year career working for DOD and in the private sector as an Aerospace Consultant. Rick’s career has been focused on the “art” and “science” of “weaponeering” for the Department of the Navy to be able to deliver game-changing Weapons Systems for the Fleet.

Rick recently retired from his DOD position but continues to teach as well as consult on all aspects of System Engineering for DOD as well as industry.

Quality in Front – From a Mainframe Mentality to Agile

The November 2023 tech talk was presented by Dave McKenna