Jiri’s Notepad

Analyzing Analyst Economics:
Forrester’s gross margins averaged 65% over the last 5 years (Reuters figures via WSJ Online). Gartner research margins were 61% in 2004 (overall Gartner’s margins averaged 52% because Gartner does more consulting projects, which are less leveragable). Meta’s 2004 10-K shows comparable results prior to its acquisition by Gartner. The research margins (at […]

CHAOS Report, The Standish Group:
1. Lack of User Input 12.8%
2. Incomplete Requirements & Specifications 12.3%
3. Changing Requirements & Specifications 11.8%
4. Lack of Executive Support 7.5%
5. Technology Incompetence 7.0%
6. Lack of Resources 6.4%
7. Unrealistic Expectations 5.9%
8. Unclear Objectives 5.3%
9. Unrealistic Time Frames 4.3%
10. New Technology 3.7%

Frames of Reference, IEEE Computer:
Lakoff says that most people intuitively believe that when well-meaning opponents argue an issue, the facts will emerge, and the right thing to do will become apparent from the way those facts stack up. But Lakoff says that belief is wrong. He points to results from research in the cognitive science […]