Software Project Management

What is software project management ? What makes it different from management in general? Is software project management different from other types of project management ? To answer these questions we need to look at some key ideas about the planning, monitoring and control of software projects. We will see that project are largely about meeting objectives. Projects to produce software are only worth while if they satisfy real needs. Having identified those objectives, ensuring that they are met is the basis of a successful project. This, however, cannot be done unless there is accurate information and how this is provided will be explored.

Characteristics of Projects

• non routine tasks involved
• planing is required
• specific objectives are to be met or a specified product is to be created
• the project has pre-determined time span
• work is carried out for someone other than yourself
• works involves several specialisms
• work is carried out in several phases
• the resources that are available for use on the project are constrained
• the project is large or complex

Activities covered by the software Project Management

1 - Feasibility Study

This is investigation  into whether a prospective proposed application. The probable developmental and operational costs, along with the values of the benefits of the new system are estimated. The study could be part of a strategic planning exercise examining and prioritizing a range of potential software development.

2 - Planning

If the feasibility study produces results which indicate that the proposed project appears viable, then planning of the project can take place. However, for large projects we could not do all the planning right at the beginning. We would formulate outline plan for the whole project and detailed plan for the first stage. 

3 - Project Execution

The project now can be executed. The execution of a project often contains design and implementation sub phases. There are following sub steps of Project execution:

1. Requirement Analysis
2. Specification
3. Design
4. Coding
5. Verification and Validation
6. Installation
7. User Acceptance
8. Implementation