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Module Overview

  • Course Title: Software Project Management

  • Module Code: CSPM3201

Learning Objectives

  • Explain Project and Product Life Cycle

  • Understand Adaptive Software Development (ASD)

  • Explain Agile Project Management principles and roles

  • Differentiate the five process groups of project management

  • Explain project management knowledge areas

  • Identify processes associated with each knowledge area in project groups

Project Life Cycle

  • Comprises phases defining work, deliverables, personnel involved, and control mechanisms.

  • Deliverables can be reports, training sessions, hardware, or software code.

Product Life Cycles (SDLC Types)

  • Waterfall Model: Linear stages of analysis, design, construction, testing, and support.

  • Spiral & Incremental Models: Provide for continuous updates based on user requirements.

  • Adaptive Software Development (ASD): Flexible approach recognizing unclear early requirements (e.g., XP, Scrum).

Agile Approaches

  • Scrum: Utilizes sprints (30 days), regular stand-ups, focuses on iterative development, team self-organization.

  • XP (Extreme Programming): Practices pair programming, prioritizes customer involvement, shorter releases for better control.

  • Kanban: Continuous flow, persistent board, flexibility to change mid-stages.

Comparison of Agile Methods (Scrum vs. Kanban)

  • Roles: Scrum has defined roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Team). Kanban has no formal roles.

  • Meetings: Scrum includes specific meetings; Kanban depends on team maturity.

  • Delivery: Scrum is fixed to sprint timelines; Kanban allows for ongoing adjustments.

Agile Methodology Characteristics

  • Iterative development breaks tasks into smaller segments for refinement.

  • Agile principles emphasize responsiveness to change and continuous improvement.

Project Management Process Groups

  1. Initiating: Define and authorize the project.

  2. Planning: Establish the scope, objectives, and approach.

  3. Executing: Carry out the project plan.

  4. Monitoring & Controlling: Track, review, and regulate project performance.

  5. Closing: Finalize all activities to formally close the project.

Knowledge Areas in Project Management

  • Project Integration Management

  • Project Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Resource, Communication, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder Management.

Differences Between Knowledge Areas and Process Groups

  • Knowledge Areas: What you need to know.

  • Process Groups: What you need to do.

Methodology Development: Agile vs. Waterfall

  • Waterfall: Linear, planned approach suitable for defined requirements.

  • Agile: Flexible, iterative process favoring responsiveness and stakeholder involvement.

  • Hybrid Methodology: Combines both approaches to leverage strengths.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Agile Methodology

  • Advantages: Better stakeholder engagement, adaptability to change, increased project visibility.

  • Disadvantages: Less concrete planning, limited documentation, final products may differ from initial proposals.