• PDF Document


• PDF Document


• PDF Document


• PDF Document

The FAGAN INSPECTION PROCESS AND DEFECT-FREE PROCESS is formally defined, with entry and exit criteria for each of its 7 operations, the roles of each of the 4 participants is clearly defined, as are the rules for executing the process. In software, it is applied to Statements of Work (SOW,) Architectural (including network) Specifications, Requirements, Design, Code, Test Plans, Project Plans, and Rework/Fixes at all levels. It is also used in the various phases of engineering design from computer hardware design to airplane design. It is effective in development of new products, enhancements, and defect fix rework.

After study of reviews and walkthroughs, Fagan Inspections were created then continuously studied and improved {through 2008} based on measurement and analysis of its practice in several thousands of cases in development of real products. Its’ initial objective was to decrease defects shipped to users. However, it was soon evident that since it dramatically reduced rework during development, it also reduced the time to shipment. The process contains effectiveness calibration of itself.

Most users of the method report that shipped defects are reduced from 5% to 10% of previous levels, and the time to develop products is reduced from zero to 40%. One project reported in a conference that they had a lot of experience with AGILE on many products. After implementing Fagan Inspections along with AGILE their product was completed 33% sooner. No delay in product shipment has been reported.

An element of the Fagan Process includes a means to continuously improve the development process.

(Elements, but not all, of the Fagan Process are to be found in Clean Room, PSP, and TSP.)

Reviews are very useful. After gaining a complete understanding of Fagan Inspections, they will not be confused with reviews.

Correct introduction, including management, of the Fagan Process, and then maintaining its effectiveness over time will be discussed. This is very important and applies to all process changes.

Panel Session topic:

Introducing Process Changes and Maintaining them {Making them stick.}

Michael Fagan is CEO of Michael Fagan Associates, and the creator of Fagan Inspections and the Fagan Defect-Free Process™.

As a product development manager at IBM, Michael created the Fagan Inspection Process for use on his own projects. Over the years, this has been enhanced and expanded into the Fagan Defect-Free Process™, incorporating Formal Process Definition, and reinforcing the Continuous Process Improvement aspect of the Inspection Process. Using the inspection method, he was also able to use its metrics to monitor projects and keep them on track.

The methodology developed by Michael Fagan is credited with dramatically reducing the number of defects in software and hardware products, increasing the feature content per release, shortening cycle time, increasing customer satisfaction, improving development processes, accelerating SEI/CMMI maturity in organizations, and significantly reducing costs! The method has been proven in more than 100 client organizations.

Michael Fagan has 20 years of experience in IBM as a line manager of software development, engineering development, and manufacturing. In addition, he was: manager of programming methodology for IBM's DP Product Group (Worldwide); the first software senior technical staff member in IBM's T.J. Watson Research Laboratory; a member of the Corporate Technology Staff; and one of the founder members of the IBM Quality Institute.

IBM awarded Michael Fagan the largest individual Corporate Achievement Award for creating the Fagan Inspection and promoting its implementation in IBM's laboratories around the world and in industry. Based upon his research and development of methods that shorten cycle time, reduce cost, and improve quality, he has established an international reputation. Due to these accomplishments, he has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences on software engineering and management. Previously, Michael Fagan was a Visiting Professor in the Department of Computer Science and a member of the Graduate Council of the University of Maryland.