The Southern California SPIN is a community of software practitioners and researchers that gathers monthly to investigate and discuss topics of interest in the area of Software Process.
The Southern California SPIN is a leadership forum for the free and open exchange of software process improvement experiences and practical ideas. We promote achieving higher levels of process maturity, software quality and mutual respect. Our goal is to enhance skills and support technology transition through an active program of networking, publications, recognition of excellence, and mutual support.
Each meeting addresses a specific topic; previous topics have included process definition, the Capability Maturity Model, software process technology, metrics, software testing, risk management, and ISO 9000. A typical meeting format consists of presentations by practitioners and experts on a topic followed by discussion.
Special formats, such as interactive workshops and "group thinks" have generated high interest and enhanced the learning experience. The Southern California SPIN experimented with a very unique format: a dramatic reading (or reader's theatre). The Case of the Killer Robot, based on a series of articles by Richard Epstein, was dramatized for the SPIN and received rave reviews.
SPIN attendees find community building and networking invaluable added benefits.
Meeting flyers are also available on the IRUS schedule of events.
SPIN meetings are planned and organized by the SPIN Steering Committee, which meets monthly immediately after the SPIN meetings. The SPIN Steering Committee consists of volunteers who meet immediately after the SPIN meeting to choose meeting topics, plan future meetings, discuss areas of concern, and provide strategic direction.
The Steering Committee has developed a SPIN Charter which includes various roles to be fulfilled by the committee members. An Election Procedure defines the nomination and voting procedure.
The Steering Committee has also developed a Meeting Coordinator's Responsibilities and Timetable and set of Speaker Guidelines to assist the meeting coordinators and speakers.
The SPIN has fostered various activities including provision of email communications, and interaction and coordination with the Los Angeles SPIN and the Software Engineering Institute (SEI).
The Southern California SPIN was pleased to co-sponsored the 5th SEPG National Meeting (the predecessor to the annual SEPG Conference) with the SEI.