In the governance paradigm there are two terms used to test ideas, processes, and their outcomes.
Fit for Purpose and Fit for Use
Both these terms are used to describe value of an IT outcome. A product or service value is defined by fit to purpose (utility) and fit to use (warranty).
Fit to purpose, or utility, means that service needs to fulfill customer needs.
Fit for use, or warranty, means that product or service is available when a user needs it.
From Phillippe Kruchten's The Frog and the Octopus we get 8 factors defining a context from which to test any idea that we encounter.
- Size
- Criticality
- Business model
- Stable architecture
- Team distribution
- Governance
- Rate of change
- Age of system
So when we hear something that doesn't seem to pass the smell test, think of Carl's advice
And then when we hear you're just not willing to try out this idea, think of some more of his advice.
Then ask, how is this idea of your Fit for Purpose and Fit for Use in those 8 context factors? Don't have an answer? Then maybe the personal anecdotes are ready for prime time in Enterprise domain.
