Some time ago I decided to outsource web development projects (php coding & design). I've opened small office abroad with manager and couple of programmers and designer. I just started but already have a problem controlling their work.Some programmers are fast, others work much slower. I pay them fixed salary, so it matters for me if they do their job on time.When they work from office, I at least have a person responsible for the project to tell if they really worked. But sometimes they work from home and in that case I have no way to know if they really spent that time working on some issue.Some of my ideas were: controlling amount of code done with svn, strict deadlines, everyday reporting.. But nothing seems perfect to me. It creates even more work from my side.Can anyone suggest a way of fair judgement on how much really time was spent on actual work? How to stimulate people to work? Maybe create some bonus system if work is done fast? Any idea/experience on this topic would be highly appreciated.
How to control work of programmers (outsourcers)
productivity;project management;time management;startup;outsourcing
You must define performance metrics and goals that they must meet. If you were doing any type of Agile and/or SCRUM then you wouldn't have this problem. There are many free applications to help with this. Rally (rallydev.com) is a great one (not free!!)Set time lines and goals and hold them to it. Seems like you need to apply basic managerial skills. If they don't produce, then get rid of them. You pay them for results. Would you give $10 to Mc Donalds for 1/2 of a hamburger? If you're a developer of any type then you should be able to break down a project come up with time estimates for each part. Give the estimates to the developers and you and your team can then discuss them and agree. If you say 5 hours and they say 15, make them explain why it will be 15 and not 5. Even if you don't know what they are talking about, you can smell BS. Call them on it and make them explain it. That will cut down the crap. This is what I do everyday and it works even with difficult employees.