Re: The optimal size of a Software Development Team

Dennis Landi wrote:

this problem has been often debated in other fields, and, oddly enough, the
answer has been found by the army:

http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/structure/army_structure.htm

it's really not a question of "software" but rather of how the human brain is
wired - in particular, our finite capacity to manage social relationships in a
"work" context.

Software Engineering Director:
1 individual managing 4 managers. = lieutenant } = Platoon
Software Dev Manager (Architect) :
1 individual managing 4 teams. = sergeant } = Section
Team Lead (Architect):
1 individual leading 4 team members = corporal }
Team Members: } = Squad
4 individuals = private }


the exact number can vary between 2-6, but 4 is a good average. Note the
occurance of the "4" multiple on the page above for WWI, which shifts towards
"3" for WWII.


cheers,



Mat

ps: when you see an organization deciding to become "lean and mean" by
eliminating lots of middle-level positions, and have "self-managed teams", watch
out. It will function just as well as an army with half its officer core dead.
.