ASQ Software Division Region 14 Report for 2Q2007
by David Peercy
This column provides members with information on relevant association meetings, conferences and other events in Region 14 – Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and to some extent Mexico. If you have information that you would like to share with fellow ASQ Software Division members, or you would like to get involved with the Division, contact: depeerc@sandia.gov or 505-844-7965.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Since last quarter’s report I have e-mailed all “known” ASQ software division members in Region 14 – essentially requesting information for this report and soliciting views on the questions posed in the last quarter’s report:
- Region 14 website, “deputy” RC or Section Councilors, and improvement in Region 14 communication did not generate too much interest to date.
- Target improvement in Region 14 current membership of 254 by December 2007?
David Walker (ASQ Software Division Chair) indicates our software membership is increasing and is now (03/20/07) at 4006. As of that time our Region 14 membership stood at 269 which is an increase from 254 (12/2006).
Lack of Software Testing Certification: One response indicated that one of the reasons why the membership in the Software Division has been declining is the fact that there are so many other organizations out there that offer certifications for software testing, for example CSTE certification from Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). This respondent did offer the opinion that the CSQE is a much better certification because of its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of software quality.
In addressing this specific response as to what ASQ Software Division is pursuing, it was noted that Linda Westfall has been pursuing a testing certification. The issue, at the moment, has been funding since the Division may need to come up with the ~$40,000 that it costs to get the work going. Linda may be looking into some corporate sponsorship. This may be a topic of discussion at the upcoming ASQ Software Division meetings prior to and during the WCQI in Orlando, FL, April 30-May2, 2007.
Lack of ASQ Focus on Software: Another response suggested that ASQ does not seem to devote much attention to the software-specific needs of its members – not just the Software Division membership. The request was for more attention focused on this area for our region. The recent events leading up to the WCQI limitation of software sessions and subsequent withdrawal of all software sessions by the ASQ Software Division at the WCQI seem to support this concern.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST
October 16-17, 2007: International Conference on Software Quality (ICSQ), Denver, CO
I’ll participate on a panel session discussing Agile Methods.
http://www.asq.org/software/
Greater Fort Worth ASQ Section 1416 Activities
http://www.asqfortworth.org/ (this is a great web site for other sections to mimic)
Albuquerque ASQ Section 1400 Activities
CSQE Courses : Section 1400 is investigating CSQE courses, frequency, cost, and so forth. Cost, schedule (frequency), forward planning are all issues. Anyone who has such a program plan might provide input to the Section 1400. http://www.asq1400-abqnm.org/ (also a good website)
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