4.1 UNDERSTANDING SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

What is the primary focus of project management in software development?

To assure that software development projects meet customer expectations and are delivered within budget and time constraints.

How is project management defined?

As a controlled process of initiating, planning, executing, and closing down a project.

What are the characteristics of a project?

1. Has definite objectives and scope. 2. Has definite start and end points. 3. Often brings about change. 4. Has a degree of risk associated with it. 5. Often staffed by people with other responsibilities. 6. Usually involves staff from different functions. 7. Has allocated resources and budget. 8. Has its own management structure.

What are the key activities of a project manager?

1. Proposal writing. 2. Project costing. 3. Project planning and scheduling. 4. Project monitoring and reviews. 5. Personnel selection and evaluation. 6. Report writing and presentation.

Why is software project management considered difficult?

1. The product is intangible, making it hard to estimate time and allocate resources. 2. There is no standard process, leading to a lack of clear understanding of relationships between software process and product type.

What is the first phase of project management?

Initiating the Project, which assesses the project's size, scope, and complexity, and establishes procedures for later activities.

What does the planning phase of project management involve?

Defining clear activities required to complete the project and incorporating them into various management plans such as quality, risk management, and configuration management.

What is the primary focus during the executing phase of project management?

Implementing the plans from previous phases, monitoring progress, managing changes, and maintaining documentation.

What activities are involved in closing down a project?

Project closure, finalizing customer contracts, and conducting post-implementation reviews.

What is a project in the context of project management?

A planned undertaking of related activities to reach an objective that has a beginning and an end.

What skills are essential for a project manager?

Management, leadership, technical skills, conflict management, and customer relationship skills.

What does project monitoring and reviews entail?

Tracking the project's progress against the baseline plan and making necessary adjustments.

What is the significance of having a management structure in a project?

It helps in organizing the team and clarifying roles and responsibilities.

How does project management contribute to software engineering?

It overlays the entire development process, ensuring projects are completed successfully.

What is meant by 'baseline project plan'?

A plan that includes the approved version of the project schedule, cost, and scope, which serves as a basis for measuring project performance.

What is the role of risk management in project planning?

To identify, assess, and prioritize risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events.

Why is defining activities important in software project management?

It allows for accurate time estimation, resource allocation, and progress monitoring.

What is the purpose of project costing?

To estimate the financial resources required to complete the project successfully.

What does personnel selection and evaluation involve in project management?

Choosing the right team members for the project and assessing their performance throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the importance of communication in project management?

It ensures that all stakeholders are informed about project status, changes, and issues.

What is the significance of post-implementation reviews?

To evaluate the project's success and identify lessons learned for future projects.

What are milestones in project management?

Key points in the project timeline that signify important stages of progress.

What is the relationship between project management and customer satisfaction?

Effective project management aims to meet customer expectations, which directly influences their satisfaction with the final product.