How to Win a Code Challenge
By taking a key focus on its Pragmatic Agile process, and through rigorous preparation and laser-focused execution, the Makpar Innovation Lab recently won a highly competitive government agency code challenge.
The key to winning for a smaller company like Makpar was that the Innovation Lab team had the entire Agile process scripted out to the minute. In addition, the discipline of the team, clearly defined roles for everyone, and the ability to keep calm under pressure, allowed the team to stand out from the pack.
“The Makpar Innovation Lab team was able to stay calm under the pressure to deliver a flawless execution in this government agency code challenge. How we responded to this challenge is a prime example of how we can rapidly and effectively deliver the right software solution to government.”
– Tariq Islam, Makpar’s Director of Technology and Solutions.
With preparation being paramount, the Innovation lab team had a process in place for any possible scenario, held mock rehearsal sessions and had clearly defined roles for all team members. Attention to details, choosing the right collaboration tools, and being mentally prepared for the single-day code challenge is easier said than done, but achievable with focus and dedication.
An intangible benefit of the Makpar Innovation Lab is the ability of the rapport of the overall team. Working in concert as a unified front, the team quickly and effectively communicated and anticipated any issue during the actual code challenge.
“The team had a completely unified mindset with the common goal of winning this code challenge,” added Islam. “The reality was that we were competing against some of the largest government contractors. This really is an underdog success story.”
The Makpar Innovation Lab introduces new products and services for Makpar’s customers through testing and development of the latest emerging technologies. The team continually aims to improve solutions to gain the most meaningful data-driven insights for informed market decisions.
The more Makpar Innovation Lab team refines, the more it can improve solutions that help the Federal government focus on their most important missions: meeting the needs of the American people.