Poka-yoke (mistake-proofing) is a technique for mistake-proofing in process design. It's trading the flexibility for less variance. There is a similar concept in software called defensive design or defensive programming. Yesterday, I just experienced a good example of how important defensive design is. I was trying to plug my external hard-drive to my laptop via USB port. As you know the USB port actually has some sort of defensive design - the connectors in the metal enclosure is actually located...
I was working a project schedule with MS project. I started by estimate the duration in 'months' using PERT, and later I decided to switch to 'days'. The I run into the duration format convertion trouble. I fund the set the 'Duration is entered in' drop down list in option menu didn't really do the job. See the full solution: geekswithblogs.net/chrishan...