PR releases

Managing the Test People: A Guide to Practical Technical Management

Farnham, UK - Struck by the lack of available books containing practical advice for managers in the technical world, author Judy McKay set out to do something about it. And, she has done just that with her new book, "Managing the Test People: A Guide to Practical Technical Management."

Author Judy McKay has been in software management for more than 20 years, working in a variety of companies. Judy found that, although general management methods theoretically "should" work, they often don't apply to technical management when you add in the politics of the unique environment, the technical work that must be done and, of course, those pesky people who seem intent on fouling up your plans.

This book was written for managers, leads, and those who may soon find themselves in a technical leadership position. It focuses on some of the unique problems in the software quality assurance profession, yet the bulk of the book is applicable to any technical management job. In this book you will find practical advice for the novice and affirmation for the expert. Written from a practitioner's viewpoint, it contains real world stories illustrating the concepts discussed in the text.

"Managing the Test People" is real - it's about the real world where there are real problems and real people, and it provides viable solutions that can actually be implemented. Judy McKay's casual, common sense approach makes this an enjoyable read while you learn the ins and outs of managing your own technical team.

Topics include:
* Making the First Impression
* Evaluating Your Staff
* Creating Procedures and Processes
* Tailoring Job Descriptions
* Interviewing and Hiring

- more -
* Layoffs and Terminations
* Mapping and Assigning People to Projects
* Selecting Your Project Leaders
* Reward Systems and Growth Plans
* Inward and Outward Communication
* Creating Synergy ad Pride
* How To Be an Effective Manager
* Conducting Reviews
* Growing Your Staff

About the author:

Judy McKay has spent the last 20 years working in the high tech industry with particular focus on software quality assurance. She has managed departments encompassing all aspects of the software lifecycle including requirements design and analysis, software development, database design, software quality assurance, software testing, technical support, professional services, configuration management, technical publications, and software licensing. Her career has spanned across commercial software companies, aerospace, foreign-owned R&D, networking, and various Internet companies.

Judy has been conducting training seminars nationwide for seven years.
Her informative courses are based on the real world application of practical data. Her courses cover the spectrum of software quality assurance, including creating and maintaining a world class quality assurance team, designing and implementing quality assurance and effective testing, and creating and implementing useful test documentation and metrics.

Additional Resources:
For more information about the book and about Rocky Nook, see:
www.rockynook.com

Managing the Test People: A Guide to Practical Technical Management Judy McKay ISBN 978-1-933952-12-3, 200 pages, $39.95, £28.50, 36 €
Rocky Nooks books are distributed by O'Reilly