Introduction of Software Project Management

 

Introduction of Software Project Management:

Software project management is the art and science of planning and leading software projects. It is a sub-discipline of project management in which software projects are planned, monitored and controlled.

Definition:

1)      Project Management Software are software programs that help with applying knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to plan and control resources, costs and schedules to meet the requirements of the particular project and include such integrated functions as calendars, charts, tracking of people and budgets, generating of reports and scheduling.

2)      Software project management encompasses the knowledge, techniques, and tools necessary to manage the development of software products. This curriculum module discusses material that managers need to create a plan for software development, using effective estimation of size and effort, and to execute that plan with attention to productivity and quality.

3)      Software project management is a type of project management that focuses

      specifically on creating or updating software.

4)      A software development project is a complex undertaking by two or more persons

within the boundaries of time, budget, and staff resources that produces new or enhanced computer code that adds significant business value to a new or existing business process.

 

 What is Project?

Definition:

1)      A project is temporary effort to create a unique product or service. Projects usually include constraints and risks regarding cost, schedule or performance outcome.

2)      Planned set of interrelated task to be executed over a fixed period and within certain cost and other limitations.

3)      A project is a sequence of unique, complex and connected activities having one goal or purpose and that must be completed by a specific time, within budget, and according to specification.

The dictionary definitions put a clear emphasis on the project’s being a planned activity. Another key aspect of a project is that the undertaking is on-routine- a job which is repeated a number of times is not a project. There is a hazy boundary in between. The first time you do a routine task it will be very like project. On the other hand, a project to develop a system that is very similar to previous ones that you have developed will have large element of the routine.

These are following key characteristics that distinguish projects as-

  • Non-routine tasks are involved.
  • Planning is required.
  • Specific objectives are to be met or a specified project is to be created.
  • The project has a predetermined time span.
  • Work is carried out for someone other than yourself.
  • Work involves several specialism.
  • Work is carried out in several phases.
  • The resources that are available for use on the project are constrained.
  • The project is large or complex.

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