Solving Complex Problems

A good read -- a three part series about solving IT problems and implementing new systems.
http://www.computerworld.com/q?53370
http://www.computerworld.com/q?53699
http://www.computerworld.com/q?54800

The author demonstrates that the principles apply to other disciplines, like architecture. I like the "define, design, build" approach. I know this stuff goes without saying, but sometimes I like to remind myself. The "pipe-and-filter" idea is very interesting and to me seems to have some applications to processing of text streams, i.e. radio station PAD data. It is also worth noting that the next Microsoft command-line shell (MSH) makes extensive use of pipes and objects.