Chapter 1 - Intro to Software Project Management

Fundamental concepts, core constraints (Scope/Time/Cost), SPM life cycle, major challenges, and management control (EVM & KPIs)

What is Software Project Management (SPM)?

It is a discipline involving the planning and supervision of software projects using structured methods to ensure the final software meets requirements. It provides clarity on duration, timeline, and cost for both clients and developers

Why is SPM strategically important?

It ensures software development is in harmony with organizational goals (strategic alignment), provides strong leadership, and sets clear, measurable priorities.

What are the "Core Constraints" that SPM must balance?

Scope, Time, Cost, and Quality

Name the 4 phases of the SPM Life Cycle.

• 1. Initiation, 2. Planning, 3. Execution, and 4. Closure.

What is the purpose of a "Project Charter"?

It is a formal document created during the Initiation Phase that outlines the project's objectives, scope, and high-level plan.

Name three common tools used in SPM and their purpose.

Gantt Charts (visual timelines), Jira (Agile tracking/sprints), and Trello (visual Kanban boards).

What are the top challenges from a Manager’s perspective?

Poor estimation, unrealistic planning, lack of clear visibility into progress, and undefined roles or success criteria.

What challenges do Team Members often face?

Vague work specifications, managers who don't understand IT processes, and lack of involvement in early planning

What is "Scope Creep"?

The risk of adding features to a project without adjusting the allocated time or cost.

How does time pressure affect project quality?

Tight deadlines often lead to shortened or skipped testing phases, developer burnout, and compromised software quality.

Define "Management Control" in SPM.

The systematic process of monitoring progress, identifying deviations from the plan, and taking corrective actions to keep the project on track.

What are the 6 core focus areas of Management Control?

1. Time, 2. Cost, 3. Scope, 4. Risk, 5. Quality, and 6. Communication

What is Earned Value Management (EVM)?

A quantitative tool used to assess project performance by comparing Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), and Actual Cost (AC)

What is the role of a Change Control Board (CCB)?

It is a formal body that makes decisions on whether to approve or reject change requests after analyzing their impact on time, scope, and budget.

Give three examples of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in SPM

Percentage of completed tasks vs. planned, number of open vs. closed bugs, and sprint velocity (in Agile).