Models of Work and Learning

Code review has been shown to be 10 times more cost-effective than dynamic testing in finding defects and suggesting fixes. The reason: economies of timeliness — catch the problems earlier and they’re much easier to analyze and fix.

But still, when confronted with defects, what is your reaction: need to fix or need to learn?

If “need to fix” then choose Fagan Inspection for code reviews.

If “need to learn” then choose training.

If both, then choose mentoring and professional reviews.

On a related note, is learning separate from work?

If yes, then establish a good training program.

If no, then establish a good quality mentoring program.

Finally, in a company, who needs to learn?

If you believe that each individual needs to learn, then restrict information about individuals’ skill sets to individuals and their managers.

If you believe that teams need to learn, then make information about individuals’ skill sets available to everyone.

Whatever you do, think about the questions and your responses.

Make sure you choose the path that follows logically from your responses.