Just re-read the Joel Test from the book Joel on Software. Good thoughts here for questions to ask when starting / managing software project.
1. Do you use source control? – free version control software is fine
2. Can you make a build in one step? – not as applicable to web apps…but the point here is to be able to roll out iterations very quickly and push stuff live continuously. So, reduce contingences within the app (ie less major releases, more smaller ones).
3. Do you have a bug database? – minimal useful bug database must include:
a. Complete steps to reproduce bug
b. Expected behavior
c. Buggy behavior
d. Who it's assigned to
e. Whether it has been fixed or not
4. Do you fix bugs before writing new code? Priority should be to fix bugs before writing new code. More time that passes, costlier it is to fix.
5. Do you have an up to date schedule? "It will be done when it's done" doesn't cut it. Need to have a schedule and it needs to be current. Date also forces you to choose what you're going to do, and resist scope creep.
6. Do you have a spec? Everyone knows it's a good thing, but no one does it. Send coders to an intensive writing course. No code w/o spec.
7. Do programmers have quiet working conditions? Lots of documentation around productivity gains when knowledge workers have space, quiet, and privacy.
8. Do you use the best tools money can buy?
9. Do you have testers? Dedicated testers are a great deal – don't waste money having $100/hr programmers doing work that can be done by $30/hr testers.
10. Do new candidates write code during their interview?
11. Do you do hallway usability testing? Grab person that passes you in hallway and force them to try to use the code you just wrote.