Project Management Concepts

Scale = Development effort is high Uncertainty = Continuing stream of changes Interoperability = New software must communicate with existing software Coordination = Effective methods for organizing team tasks

Closed paradigm = Traditional hierarchy with less innovation Random paradigm = Loose structure emphasizing individual initiative Open paradigm = Combines controls of closed with innovation of random Synchronous paradigm = Works on problem pieces with minimal communication

Problem difficulty = The complexity of the problem to be solved Size of resultant programs = Measured in lines of code or function points Team lifetime = Duration the team will work together Modularization = The extent to which the problem can be divided into modules

<p>Formal communication = Writing and structured meetings Informal communication = Ad hoc sharing of ideas Daily interaction = Daily basis interactions among team members Problem-solving help = Asking for assistance when issues arise</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People = The most important element, including team and stakeholders Product = The software to be built with objectives and scope Process = The framework of activities to accomplish project tasks Project = All work required to deliver the product reality</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stakeholders = Define the business issues influencing the project Project managers = Plan and control the software work Practitioners = Deliver the technical skills for product engineering Customers = Specify requirements for the software being developed</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Motivation = Encouraging people to produce to their best ability Organization = Molding processes to translate ideas into products Ideas = Encouraging creativity within established bounds Innovation = Creating new processes or improving existing ones</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Problem solving = Ability to address challenges effectively Managerial identity = Understanding one’s role in management Achievement = Accomplishing project goals Influence = Capacity to affect team dynamics and outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>How to lead? = Establishing guidance for team dynamics How to organize? = Structuring the team for efficiency How to collaborate? = Fostering teamwork and communication How to motivate? = Encouraging team members to perform well</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People = Recruiting and performance management Product = Defining scope and alternative solutions Process = Activities and tasks to achieve goals Project = Planning, monitoring, and controlling efforts</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Team leaders = Individuals guiding the software project team End-users = People interacting with the completed software Software Team = Practitioners working on product engineering Senior managers = High-level figures defining business requirements</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Motivation = Encourages high performance among team members Organization = Ensures efficient workflow and task completion Ideas = Promotes creativity and innovation within bounds Communication = Essential for alignment and progress tracking</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>What is the system being developed? = Evaluates the validity of business reasons for software work What will be done? = Establishes the task set required for the project When will it be accomplished? = Creates a project schedule identifying key tasks Who is responsible? = Defines roles and responsibilities of each project member</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Progress tracking = Involves models, source code, and test cases Quality assurance = Ensures work products are approved Postmortem analysis = Extracts lessons learned after project completion Customer feedback = Informs project evaluation and adjustments</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Keep it simple = Encourages straightforward decision-making Establish estimation = Determines the resource needs for the project Define management strategy = Outlines the technical and managerial approach Identify milestones = Sets key points to measure project progress</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Project objectives = Clarify the main goals of the project Responsibilities = Assign tasks to team members Milestones = Mark significant events in the project timeline Required resources = Identify what is necessary for project completion</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Customer = Provides the business reasons for the software End user = Utilizes the final product Software team = Responsible for technical execution of the project Project manager = Oversees project management and decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Context = Understanding how the software fits into a larger system Information objectives = Customer-visible data objects produced as output Function and performance = Transforming input data into output with specific performance Scope definition = Unambiguous and understandable for management and technical levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Functionality delivery = Focusing on what must be delivered Process delivery = Focusing on how functionality will be delivered Evaluation refinement = Providing detail prior to estimation User-visible data = Defining data objects required for functional output</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Software engineering tasks = The activities needed to develop software Work products = The tangible outputs of the tasks Quality assurance points = Checkpoints to ensure quality throughout the process Milestones = Significant stages in the project timeline</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Customer request = Understanding the needs of the customers who requested the product Product characteristics = Understanding the specific attributes of the product itself Development environment = The context in which the project will be developed Thoroughness degree = Determining the depth of the process required</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Part functions = Specific functionalities that comprise the overall system Problem classes = A grouping of related software functions or problems User-visible data objects = Data elements that users interact with directly Decomposition process = The method used to break down functions and classes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Project planning = Integrating product functionalities and process activities Framework activities = The standard activities to be followed in an organization Product function listing = Documenting all major functions of the software Engineering pass = Ensuring each function goes through the defined activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Unambiguous scope = Clear and precise to avoid confusion Management level understanding = Accessible explanation for stakeholders Technical level understanding = Technical specifications understood by engineers Defined context = Specific situational constraints influencing development</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Customer-visible data = Outputs observable by end users Input data requirements = Necessary data for the functioning of the software Functional transformation = The conversion of input into output by the software Performance characteristics = Special requirements for how outputs should perform</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Review the customer request = Initial analysis of customer's requirements Plan and schedule a meeting = Organizing discussions with stakeholders Conduct research = Investigating existing solutions and approaches Review each mini-spec = Ensuring correctness and consistency of specifications</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Poorly defined product scope = Leads to misunderstandings and misalignment Unrealistic deadlines = Creates undue pressure and stress on the team Changes managed poorly = Results in scope creep and confusion Lack of appropriate skills = Hinders effective execution and delivery</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Develop list of clarification issues = Gathering initial questions for the customer Modify the statement of scope = Adjusting project objectives as needed Assemble the mini-specs = Compiling specifications into a formal document Review the scoping document = Ensuring all aspects are accurate and agreed upon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Start on the right foot = Set realistic objectives and expectations Maintain momentum = Encourage continuous progress and quality Understand the problem = Clarify the project's main challenges Provide incentives = Motivate team members for better performance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jointly develop a statement of scope = Collaborate on defining project boundaries Meet the customer = Engaging directly to discuss project needs Review each mini-spec for correctness = Checking specifications for accuracy Modify the scoping document as required = Adjusting project plans based on feedback</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Software people don’t understand needs = Misalignment with customer expectations Business needs change = Frequent shifts in project direction Users opposing the project = Resistance to implementing solutions Avoiding best practices = Recurrent mistakes and inefficiencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Project manager = Estimate resource requirements and timelines Team member = Focus on quality in tasks performed Stakeholder = Provide input based on business needs Customer = Clarify and define project expectations</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Communication activity = Engagement with stakeholders for understanding Scoping document = Formalized agreement on project features Clarification issues = Questions needing resolutions from stakeholders Mini-specs = Detailed specifications of software functionalities</p> Signup and view all the answers

The four key aspects of effective project management: People, Product, Process, and Project.

The most crucial element in a successful project, encompassing recruiting, selection, performance management, training, compensation, and team development.

Individuals or groups with an interest or impact on the project, including senior managers, project managers, practitioners, customers, and end-users.

Effective project managers need problem-solving skills, a strong managerial identity, a drive for achievement, influence, and team-building abilities.

All tasks necessary to bring a project from initial idea to completion, including planning, monitoring, and control.

Different factors to consider when choosing team structure that influences the project's efficiency.

The ability to inspire and encourage software team members to perform at their best.

Skills to effectively lead software teams, including motivation, organization, innovation, and collaboration.

The complexity of a software problem to be solved.

The measurement of a software program's size in lines of code or function points.

The duration for which a software development team stays together.

How easily a software problem can be divided into smaller, independent parts.

The level of excellence and dependability needed in the software system.

The inflexibility of the deadline associated with a software project.

The level of interaction needed among team members for a software project.

Different organizational approaches for software development teams (e.g., closed, random, open).

Defines the boundaries of the software project, answering questions about context, information objectives, function and performance.

Breaking down complex software problems into smaller, manageable parts, focusing on functionality and delivery process.

To simplify project planning and make it easier to manage by breaking down functions, data objects, or problem classes.

Selecting the right software development process model based on customer needs, product characteristics, and project environment.

The steps involved in the chosen software development process, like requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, and deployment.

A detailed plan for each software engineering activity, including tasks, work products, quality assurance points, and milestones.

Bringing the product scope and the chosen process together, mapping every function to the framework activities.

To ensure that each software function is addressed and carried out effectively through the defined framework activities, creating a structured and efficient project plan.

A structured project planning method that addresses key project aspects like objectives, milestones, responsibilities, technical approach, and resource needs.

Clearly defined goals that outline what the project aims to achieve. They provide direction and purpose for the project.

A structured review conducted after a project is completed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned for future projects.

Significant checkpoints or achievements in a project that mark progress and indicate key deliverables.

A plan that outlines the timeline for completing project tasks, including start and end dates for each activity.

Breaking down project activities into smaller, manageable tasks. This helps in estimating resources, scheduling, and tracking progress.

Ensuring effective communication with customers throughout the project lifecycle, involving clarifying requirements, agreeing on scope, and reviewing progress.

A practical and pragmatic approach that emphasizes understanding the problem, setting realistic goals, maintaining momentum, and emphasizing quality.

Factors crucial for project success include understanding customer needs, defining clear scope, managing changes effectively, and utilizing the right technology.

Challenges faced during a project that can derail its success, such as poor communication, undefined scope, technology changes, changing demands, unrealistic deadlines, lack of skills, or avoidance of best practices.

Initiating a project with a clear understanding of the problem, setting realistic objectives, and establishing clear expectations. This sets the stage for success.

Sustaining progress and enthusiasm throughout the project. Project managers are responsible for providing incentives, fostering collaboration, and emphasizing quality in every task.

Factors that can jeopardize a project's success, including poor communication, unclear requirements, unforeseen changes, technology issues, and lack of resources.