MultiTaskingForProgrammers

The diagram here is about programmers, but seen from a managers' client perspective. Enable programmers to deliver as much value as possible, within known constraints.

multitaskingforprogrammers01.png

This diagram attempts to capture how context switching affects work. The variables are:

Time on task - time spent doing actual useful work.
Project Work Piling Up - the backlog of things to do. From this or previous projects.
# of Switches - How many switches. DeMarco states 3 complete context switches use up a whole day (Why Does Software Cost so Much?, pg 90)
Total Settling time - How long it takes to respond to a switch and get going on the new task.
Frustration - the frustration level

multitaskingforprogrammers02.png

What have I left out? DonGray 2006.06.09