Project Management Basics

Project Definition

• A project is a temporary effort to create a unique product or service.
• Projects aim to solve problems; defining the problem correctly is crucial for success.

Project Management

• Project management involves planning, scheduling, and controlling project activities to achieve objectives.
• Key objectives include performance, cost, and time goals, while managing scope.
• Project scope defines the boundaries, goals, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Increased scope leads to increased time and cost.
• Tight deadlines mean increased costs and reduced scope.
• Tight budgets lead to increased time and reduced scope.

Project Failures

• Scope creep
• Poor requirements gathering
• Unrealistic planning and scheduling
• Lack of resources

Project Life Cycle

• A project progresses through stages:
  • Initiation
  • Planning
  • Execution
  • Monitoring and control
  • Closure

Project Backlog

• A prioritized list of project tasks or requirements.
• Includes features, bugs, and tasks.
• Continuously updated based on priorities.
• Helps organize and manage work throughout the project lifecycle.

Gantt Charts

• Visual tools for project management, displaying tasks on a timeline.
• Shows start and end dates, duration, and dependencies.
• Aids in tracking progress and managing schedules efficiently.

Prototypes

• Early models or samples used for testing ideas, designs, or features.
• Allow stakeholders to explore functionality and provide feedback.
• Help identify potential issues and refine concepts early.

Constraints

• Project limitations such as risk, cost, or time.

Project Management Process

• Establish project infrastructure (resources, roles, governance).
• Define the project (confirm objectives, scope, approach, resource plan).
• Create a detailed project plan.
• Manage and control the project (budget, risk management, people, quality, risk review, effort tracking).
• Close the project (plan, report, lessons learned).

Project Management Steps

• Define the problem (client needs, desired outcome).
• Develop solution options (alternatives, cost comparisons).
• Plan the project (what, who, how, much, when).
• Execute the plan (implementation).
• Monitor and control (tracking, problem solving, plan adjustments).
• Close the project (completion, lessons learned).

Scrum Methodology

• General-purpose methodology for managing people. Used by many companies (Microsoft, Google, etc.).
• Employs self-organized teams.
• Progress in time-boxed iterations ("sprints").
• Key roles: Product owner, Scrum Master, team.
• Key elements: Product backlog, sprint backlog.

Agile Project Management Boards

• Used with methodologies like Scrum and Kanban.
• Visual tools for task tracking, features, risks, and work packages.
• Composed of lists (columns) and cards (work packages).