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Conference thebay::joyoflex

Title:The Joy of Lex
Notice:A Notes File even your grammar could love
Moderator:THEBAY::SYSTEM
Created:Fri Feb 28 1986
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1192
Total number of notes:42769

562.0. "Deliverable n. Please deliver me!" by RAVEN1::MKENNEDY (Eschew sesquipedalianism!) Mon Sep 19 1988 19:46

I don't care for the usage of "deliverable" as a noun in the following
example: "What are the deliverables of the project?"  But, I haven't
been able to think of a synonym which is as encompassing.  Can anyone help?

Moffatt
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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562.1you say deliverable, I say delivery...COOKIE::DEVINEBob Devine, CXNMon Sep 19 1988 22:375
    Instead of "deliverables" you can use "deliveries".  While not
    a perfect match, it won't confuse as much as a different word.
    
    In the same vein, one could use "method" instead of "methodology".
    "Method" is plainly superior (well, it seems so to me).
562.2Suitable responses -> suitablesKAOFS::S_BROOKHere today and here again tomorrowMon Sep 19 1988 22:444
    Since deliverables are really the deliverable products, perhaps
    "products" should be included in the list of suitables. (ughhh)
    
    stuart
562.3PSTJTT::TABERAnswer hazy -- ask again laterMon Sep 19 1988 22:4717
>    Instead of "deliverables" you can use "deliveries". 

"What are the deliveries of this project?" -- hmmm.  I don't think it
will prevail. 

This seems like another case where people are challenging us to find a
word to replace a phrase.  If you have to have a single word, I don't
think there is a current one that will stand in for "deliverables" --
you might as well cave in and use that. 

On the other hand, if you want to sound like a member of the human race,
it might be better to rephrase the question and ask "What items will
come out of this project?" or "What goals must be met to consider this
project complete?"  Some people call it circumlocution to rephrase 
instead of use a made-up word.  You must decide for yourself.

					>>>==>PStJTT
562.4What will the project produce?VISA::MONAHANhumanity is a trojan horseTue Sep 20 1988 01:061
    
562.5AKOV11::BOYAJIANThat was Zen; this is DaoTue Sep 20 1988 07:4810
    �In the same vein, one could use "method" instead of "methodology".
    "Method is plainly superior (well, it seems so to me).�
    
    "Method" is only superior to "methodology" when the word one
    wants to use is "method". When one wants to use "methodology",
    "method" will *not* do. "Method" is "method" and "methodology"
    is "methodology" and never the twain shall meet. They are not
    synonyms nor *should* they be.
    
    --- jerry
562.6if it isn't broke, why fix it?NYSSA::BIELSKIbecoming a woid noidTue Sep 20 1988 16:2810
    
    "deliverable" has been around for a long time and is well understood,
    so trying to replace it is probably not worth the effort.
    
    It is also pretty efficient, word- and thought-wise; maybe you could
    try "tangible <something>", as tangible products, tangible outputs,
    ...creations, ...accomplishments, ...edifices, ...project progeny, 
    ...sorry, my thesaurus got carried away trying to produce deliverables.
    
    
562.7uh-oh!TERZA::ZANEfoxglove employeeTue Sep 20 1988 18:177
   How about "tangibles"?
   
   I couldn't resist.
   
   			Terza
   
562.8AaarghSEAPEN::PHIPPSMike @DTN 225-4959Tue Sep 20 1988 18:308
>   How about "tangibles"?
   
>   I couldn't resist.
   
        Aren't they the orange citrus fruit a bit smaller than oranges
        with a distinctive flavor?

        (Neither could I  8^)
562.9COOKIE::DEVINEBob Devine, CXNTue Sep 20 1988 19:4016
  >  "Method" is only superior to "methodology" when the word one
  >  wants to use is "method". When one wants to use "methodology",
  >  "method" will *not* do. "Method" is "method" and "methodology"
  >  is "methodology" and never the twain shall meet. They are not
  >  synonyms nor *should* they be.

    This town ain't big enough fer them two words...
    
    "Methodology" is often abused to mean the style by which something
    is performed -- that is, the method used!  It is in this usage
    that I say they are used as synonyms but they shouldn't be.  Are
    we going to rename a certain religion to the Methodologists? ;-)
    
    Show me an example where "methodology" is more apt or more descriptive
    than "method" when used in the engineering field.  The study of
    which method to use, not the method itself, should be called methodology.
562.10methodically bitten by an aptNYSSA::BIELSKIbecoming a word nordTue Sep 20 1988 21:108
    
	> an example where "methodology" is more apt 
    
    but probably not more descriptive would be in a high-powered,
    high-level engineering meeting where discussion of "methods" 
    sounds too pedestrian to the participants.
    
    Can I plead a case for definition by custom and usage?    
562.11AKOV11::BOYAJIANThat was Zen; this is DaoWed Sep 21 1988 15:1016
    �"Methodology" is often abused to mean the style by which something
    is performed -- that is, the method used!  It is in this usage
    that I say they are used as synonyms but they shouldn't be.�
    
    Of course. Are you arguing with me? That's exactly what I said,
    too. My point is that while "methodology" is often misused in
    situations where "method" should be used, there are instances
    in which "methodology" is proper and "method" improper.
    
    �Show me an example where "methodology" is more apt or more descriptive
    than "method" when used in the engineering field.�
    
    Hmmm...let's see. Actually, I can think of a good one. The
    "Scientific Method" is actually a methodology.
    
    --- jerry
562.12Youknow my methods, Watson!VAXUUM::T_PARMENTERTongue in cheek, fist in air!Wed Sep 21 1988 15:5922
    method -- 1: A procedure or process for attaining an objext: as
    a (1): a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed
    by or proper to a particular discipline or art . . . . b (1): a
    way, technique, or process of or for doing something 920: a bodky
    of skills or techniques . . . .
    
    methodology -- 1: A body of methods, rules, and postulates employed
    by a discipline: a particular procedure or set of procedures 2:
    the analysis of the principles or procedures or inquiry in a particular
    field.              
    
    							-- MW9NCD
    
    So, "methodology" has only one meaning, the one you would derive
    from the roots of the word, while "method" has a number of
    meanings, the quoted ones of which are very close to the meaning of
    "methodology". 
    
    BTW, the root of "method" is meta- and hodos, which means "way".
    "method" dates from Greece.  "methodology" dates from 19th c. when
    modern science was coming to.  Synonyms of "method" in MW9NCD are
    mode, manner, way, fashion, and system.   
562.13COOKIE::DEVINEBob Devine, CXNWed Sep 21 1988 17:4413
    re: .11
    
  > Of course. Are you arguing with me? That's exactly what I said [...]

    Ahhhh it's clear now.  Jerry, your last message gave your definition
    of the words while your first only pointed out that there were
    differences.  The result: we agree, unless you are disagreeing with *me*. 

    re .12
    
    What is the "MW9NCD"?

    Today method vs methodology; tomorrow the world!
562.14are we having fun yet?NYSSA::BIELSKIbecoming a werd nerdWed Sep 21 1988 18:425
    We've strayed a little but it *has* been fun - not having seen any 
    replies from the originator of this topic about "deliverables" makes me
    wonder if he found enough nonsesquipedalianisms in our collective
    wise-doms to have gone off to more tangible pursuits.
562.15LISP::DERAMODaniel V. {AITG,LISP,ZFC}:: D&#039;EramoWed Sep 21 1988 20:235
     "MW9NCD" would be the dictionary he used.  The 920 would
     have meant (2), typed without the finger on the shift
     key.
     
     Dan
562.16It was IVAXUUM::T_PARMENTERTongue in cheek, fist in air!Wed Sep 21 1988 22:212
    MW9NCD = Merriam-Webster Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary
    
562.17Ponderables???RTOIC3::RSTANGEdouble double toil &amp; troubleThu Sep 22 1988 13:169
    I thought MW9NCD was a radio station! But in any case it is a
    deliverable while methodology is not.
    
    I would use "poderabilia" "ponderabilien" "ponderabilis" etc. or
    should I say ponderables?
    
    (You should not take it "cum grano salis")
    Rudi.
    
562.18COOKIE::DEVINEBob Devine, CXNThu Sep 22 1988 20:351
    My, this discussion is becoming notable!
562.19UncleRAVEN1::MKENNEDYEschew sesquipedalianism!Fri Sep 23 1988 23:225
Thanks for your responses.  I'll yield to "city hall" on this one; 
"deliverable" does serve its purpose well.  However, I'll use
"object," "output," "goal," or "objective," wherever possible.

Moffatt
562.20Method -> Methodology -> MethodolgistDSSDEV::STONERoyFri Oct 21 1988 15:5412
    I'm surprised that no one extrapolated the method/methodology
    discussion to include methodologist.  To me, that progression helps
    to put the whole question into perspective.  A methodologist studies
    or practises the science of methodology.  The science of methodology
    provides an analysis of various methods.
    
    A "method" is used to achieve a particular result.  "Methodology"
    is a discipline by which various methods may be compared to determine 
    which might be the better "method" for solving a given problem.
    
    Not that far removed from:  "zoo" (the subject); "zoology" (the
    study of the subject); "zoologist" (one who studies the subject).
562.21EAGLE1::EGGERSTom,293-5358,VAX&amp;MIPS ArchitectureFri Oct 21 1988 16:381
   One who studies methods is a methodist.
562.22Studying upSSDEVO::GOLDSTEINMon Oct 24 1988 19:536
    Re: .20
    
    Who studies the methodologist - a methodologistogist or a
    metamethodologist?
    
    Bernie
562.23isn't "Meta" a girl's name?IJSAPL::ELSENAARFractal of the universeMon Oct 24 1988 20:599
RE -1

>    Who studies the methodologist - a methodologistogist or a
>    metamethodologist?

The methodologistogist of course. A metamethodologist is either someone who
studies metamethods, or metastudies methods.

Arie
562.24Mehta is a surnameAYOV27::ISMITHConsidering a move to MemphisTue Oct 25 1988 09:056
    Haven't we missed an olog?
    
    Methodologistologist?
    
    
    Ian.
562.25Agreed (Zubin). But I mean Meta without the "h".IJSAPL::ELSENAARFractal of the universeTue Oct 25 1988 13:309
RE -1 (Ian)

>    Haven't we missed an olog?
>    Methodologistologist?

Only if we agree that methodologistology is the science of methodologists.
I mean: study of the behavior of them. Or.... well never mind.

Arie
562.26Me thudSSDEVO::GOLDSTEINWed Oct 26 1988 00:5310
    Re: .23
    
    > A metametholologist is either someone who studies metamethods,
    > or metastudies methods.
    
    I thought someone who studies metamethods is a metametamethodologist.
    
    Someone who metastudies methods _could_ be a metamethodmethodologist.
    
    Bernie
562.27The Final Method?ERBERT::VISSEREnjoy living-You&#039;re a long time deadWed Oct 26 1988 05:488
    
    There must be a method in the madness of this note.
    
    (But I can't find it!)
    
    
    ..klaas..
    
562.28They're coming to take me awayAYOV27::ISMITHConsidering a move to MemphisWed Oct 26 1988 13:493
    ...or even a methodology in the metamadness.
    
    Ian.
562.29Kick the habit!DECSIM::HEILMANDECSIM-II: the beat goes onFri Oct 28 1988 16:501
    Enroll in a meta-methadone treatment program immediately!
562.30a meta-mate!IJSAPL::ELSENAARFractal of the universeFri Oct 28 1988 17:288
RE -1

>    Enroll in a meta-methadone treatment program immediately!
                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm glad you found out personally that methadon has the same sickening effects
as the stuff you want to get free of.....

Arie