Quality Software Management

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1. pjmorrisJul 2026
   And if that book doesn't appeal, Dr.Weinberg (he'd prefer 'Jerry' though) has an entire sub-genre of really useful books on humans doing software development. Three other favorites: 'How to Become a Technical Leader', the four-volume 'Quality Software Management', and the click-bait-titled but terrific 'The Secrets of Consulting: A Guide to Giving & Getting Advice Successfully'.

   He joined IBM in the 50's, led the design of the telemetry system for NASA's Mercury project in the 60's, aimed to put humans at the center of software development with 'The Psychology of Computer Programming', and spent the rest of his life working on helping people do software development well together. IMO, any time you spend digging in to his large catalog will be well repaid.

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2. pjmorrisJun 2021
   In addition to the other excellent recommendations here, I'd suggest the work of Jerry Weinberg. He wrote 'An Introduction to General Systems Thinking,' and he applied systems thinking in the work that he did. The two works that come to mind in view of your question are 'How To Become a Technical Leader', focused on the individual manager and their team, and the four-volume 'Quality Software Management', focused on both the manager and the organization.
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3. pjmorrisDec 2019
   'If you are a good leader,

   Who talks little,

   They will say,

   When your work is done,

   And your aim fulfilled,

   “We did it ourselves.”'

   - Lao Tse, quoted in 'Becoming a Technical Leader'

   I heartily second 'Becoming a Technical Leader.' The exercises there are designed to get you to think about and grow in the situation that you are currently in, so the book will be a perennial.

   I'd add that Weinberg also produced a four-volume series, 'Quality Software Management', where he sums up all he learned about project management in his programming, management and consulting careers. He later republished the material in a series of smaller eBooks [0] at LeanPub.

   I know of no better written resources for people who want to learn to manage software development in a way that accomplishes the technical tasks while respecting the people who do the work.

   [0] https://leanpub.com/b/qualitysoftware

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4. pjmorrisJun 2017
   As physical books, 'Becoming a Technical Leader', 'Quality Software Management, vols 1-4' and others condensed Jerry Weinberg's experiences as a software developer, manager, and consultant down to practical, thoughtful suggestions for managing software projects by managing yourself and others. He's now bundled the writing as the 'Quality Software' e-book bundle [0]. One stop shopping for a lifetime's worth of suggestions.

   I'd add, as others have or will, 'Peopleware', 'The Mythical Man Month', 'Code Complete', and 'Making Software', but Weinberg not only presents information and tells stories, he gives practical suggestions on how to 'check your work', adapted to your situation.

   [0] https://leanpub.com/b/qualitysoftware

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5. maksaJun 2017
   - Pragmatic Programmer, From Journeyman To Master

   - Code Complete 2nd Ed.

   - Quality Software Management Vol 1-4, by Gerald M. Weinberg

   I'd also throw in: Code Reading - The Open Source Perspective

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6. skmurphyFeb 2009
   Gerald Weinberg refers to this same concept as "maintenance debt" in his four volume "Quality Software Engineering Series" from the early-mid-90's. I think it's an independent formulation of the same concept. The volume most concerned with it is Vol4 "Anticipating Change" http://www.amazon.com/Quality-Software-Management-Anticipati...

   The whole series is definitely worth reading.

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