Michael James has been asked to refer to himself in the third person.

Michael is a software process mentor, team coach, and Scrum trainer with a focus on the engineering practices (TDD, refactoring, continuous integration, pair programming) that allow Agile project management practices. He is also a software developer (a recovering "software architect" who still loves good design). His programming experience dates to the late 1970s and includes control systems for aircraft and spacecraft -- some of the most deterministic, high-quality systems ever built. If you have been an airline passenger you have probably already used Michael's software.  Michael's automated test experience predates the "Extreme Programming" movement.

Michael works for a project success company called Danube Technologies, which provides training, coaching, and software tools to help you succeed at Agile product development.  While Michael's clients include Fortune 500 companies and public sector organizations, he is particularly inspired by upcoming companies with bold objectives.
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Upcoming Courses by Michael

Course Title Date Range City
Certified ScrumMaster 27-28 May 2008 Seattle
Certified ScrumMaster 3-4 Jun 2008 Portland
Certified ScrumMaster 17-18 Jun 2008 Phoenix
Certified ScrumMaster 24-25 Jun 2008 Cupertino
Certified ScrumMaster 15-16 Jul 2008 Orange County
Certified ScrumMaster 29-30 Jul 2008 Raleigh-Durham
Certified ScrumMaster 5-6 Aug 2008 Boston
Certified ScrumMaster 19-20 Aug 2008 New York
Certified ScrumMaster 26-27 Aug 2008 Washington
Certified ScrumMaster 9-10 Sep 2008 Portland
Certified ScrumMaster 24-25 Sep 2008 Boise
Certified ScrumMaster 7-8 Oct 2008 Bay Area
Certified ScrumMaster 29-30 Oct 2008 London
Certified ScrumMaster 6-7 Nov 2008 Oulu
Certified ScrumMaster 10-11 Nov 2008 Helsinki
Certified ScrumMaster 20-21 Nov 2008 New York
Certified ScrumMaster 9-10 Dec 2008 Phoenix
Certified ScrumMaster 16-17 Dec 2008 Washington

Recent Comments by Michael

On Poisonous Scrum Anti-Patterns
I don't know where I heard this first: A good ScrumMaster can handle one team at a time. A mediocre ScrumMaster can handle several teams at a time. --mj
On Am I, or Am I Not, Using Scrum? That is the Question.
Melanie, I agree with what you've written here. Scrum has very few parts, and none of them are redundant. Let's stick to a strict definition. --mj
On Eight Components of Enjoyment
Nice article David. Scrum facilitates hyperproductivity by creating an environment Csikszentmihalyi's "Flow" state can occur, both at the team level and the individual level. --mj
On The Blue Peter Problem
Thanks for this very practical article Nigel. One note I'll add: Team self-management artifacts are for the *team*, not the suits and tourists. I try to draw a distinction between things the team needs to use on a daily basis (such as their ...