Understanding Software Project Management Basics | iCert Global

Software project management is the act of planning and directing software projects. It is a special form of project management that aids in planning, scheduling, judicious resource utilization, and ultimately delivering software or web projects on time. Managers can make use of skills and tools to help them achieve this.

In addition to constructing a timeline for a project, software project management has the added focus of keeping judicious control over a range of resources - people, tools and funds - all of which must stay within the budget. A good software project manager can troubleshoot issues and adapt to changes; problem-solving and being flexible and adaptable contributes to effective software project management.

Management Functions in Software Project Management

1. Conflict Management

Conflict management in software projects means respectfully and maturely managing disagreement. The skills employed by managers include problem-solving, effective communication, and active listening, thus allowing conflicts to be resolved effectively. Conflict management skills let the team resolve issues, allow the team to function effectively, and ensure that the success of the project is not interrupted.

2. Risk Management

Risk management means identifying potential risks that could occur within a software project and developing the appropriate strategies to decrease or eliminate them. Reasonably anticipating problems, understanding the potential issues, and proposing reasonable and budget conscious solutions to those issues are key to risk management.

3. Requirement Management

Requirement management means understanding what software is required and accurately documenting it. Requirement management helps make sure that the people asking for the software know exactly what they need, and that the software team is creating a product that meets those needs.

4. Change Management

Change management means assisting the team during the incorporation of new material into a project. This could include new processes, new technology, new ways of working, or additional requirements from the client. Change management assists everyone involved with determining what varies from the original project and how to work effectively with the changes.

5. Software Configuration Management

Software configuration management means managing the software in such a manner that the various parts and versions are engaged appropriately. Configuration management will assist the team with understanding what has changed, what version of the software they are using, and how to appropriately incorporate updates.

6. Releasing the Work

Release management means getting the software ready to give users. This includes planning when to release it, ensuring the software works as intended while testing, and verifying users receive the correct version without issues.

Stages of the Project Management

1. Engineering Phase.

The engineering phase occurs when a smaller team works to determine the purpose of the project. The team produces the software, designs the product, and lays out the steps, timeframe, and determines if it is feasible with the technology available.

a. Inception Phase

In the Inception phase, the team identifies the intended purpose of the project along with the costs and estimate of time from development through delivery. This video creates a common understanding of what to build and why it matters to the project.

b. Elaboration Phase

The elaboration phase is when the team determines whether the intended purpose is clear and produces a stripped-down version of the software. The team looks for real-world examples of how the design works, and verifies problems that may arise.

2. Production Phase:

The production phase is when the team combines all of the final features of the software after it has been tested. The production phase is critical because it tests the software's usability and suitability for its real-world application.

a. Construction Phase:

The construction phase has the software rigorously tested to ensure that everything works properly. This prevents problems in the later stages and helps keep costs down before the product is complete.

b. Transition Phase:

The transition phase is the final stage. Once the software has passed the quality review it can go into use. The transition phase is about testing the software based on its use to ensure that it meets all the established quality measures.

Important Concepts in Software Project Management

Planning

Planning is a critical step when managing a software project. In this step, the project manager will decide the project goal, required tasks to complete the project, the time requirements, and available resources to complete the project. Proper planning will help the project manager ensure that the project goals will help achieve some or all of the company goals and ensure the team resource understands what they are required to do.

Execution

The project plan is put into action (execution) by allowing the team to complete their tasks on a day to day basis, while ensuring everything in is progressing smoothly. The project manager needs to ensure they are organized, communicate clearly with team members, and resolve problems to guarantee the project is complete on time, on budget, and within the intended quality.

Leadership

project managers must exercise leadership skills to motivate, direct, and support team members in achieving the project goal. Providing leadership means ensuring their project team understands their tasks, allowing for collaboration, and providing further assistance and guidance when required.

Maintenance

Maintenance is an ongoing aspect of software project management. Maintenance of software is the after-release phase. A competent team can maintain software by addressing problems, performing updates, and making improvements, so it continues to meet user needs as users’ requirements change

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Conclusion

Software project management is crucial for completing projects on time and within budget while maintaining quality. It involves planning, execution, leadership, and managing risks and changes. Ongoing maintenance ensures the software continues to meet user needs.