Activities
Software Project Management involves a series of key activities that ensure the successful delivery of a software product. These include planning the project, defining its scope, estimating costs, scheduling tasks, managing resources, handling risks, and maintaining effective communication and configuration control.
The primary activities are:
- Project Planning & Tracking
- Project Resource Management
- Scope Management
- Estimation Management
- Project Risk Management
- Scheduling Management
- Project Communication Management
- Configuration Management
Let’s explore each activity in detail.
1. Project Planning
Project planning is a collection of processes carried out before actual development begins. It involves defining objectives, creating strategies, and outlining the roadmap for achieving project goals.
2. Scope Management
Scope management defines the boundaries of the project what will be included and what will not. Clearly outlining the scope prevents cost and time overruns by ensuring all tasks are well-documented, measurable, and achievable.
3. Estimation Management
Estimation is not limited to costs it covers software size, effort, time, and budget.
- Size: Often measured in lines of code (LOC) based on user and system requirements.
- Effort: Determined by the size of the project, which helps estimate the team size required.
- Time: Once size and effort are known, development timelines can be calculated.
- Cost: Includes factors such as software size, quality, hardware, communication, training, tools, skilled manpower, and additional resources.
4. Scheduling Management
Scheduling ensures that tasks are completed in the correct sequence and within allocated timeframes. It involves:
- Identifying tasks and dependencies
- Dividing the project timeline into units
- Assigning work units to each task
- Calculating total project duration
- Breaking down work into manageable modules
5. Project Resource Management
Resources include people, tools, and libraries used in software development. Effective resource management involves:
- Forming a project team and assigning responsibilities
- Creating a resource plan based on the project plan
- Adjusting resources as needed during the project lifecycle
6. Project Risk Management
Risk management identifies, analyzes, and prepares for both predictable and unforeseen project risks, such as:
- Loss of experienced team members
- Changes in requirements
- Technological shifts
- Competitive market pressures
7. Project Communication Management
Communication acts as a bridge between clients, teams, organizations, and stakeholders. From initiation to closure, clear and consistent communication ensures everyone stays aligned. Poor communication can lead to major project failures.
8. Project Configuration Management
Configuration management controls changes in requirements, design, and development to improve productivity and reduce errors.
It is essential because:
- Multiple people work on continuously updated software
- It facilitates coordination with suppliers
- It accommodates changes in requirements, budgets, and schedules
- Ensures software compatibility across systems
Key tasks in configuration management include:
- Identification
- Baseline creation
- Change control
- Configuration status tracking
- Audits and reviews
