Software project management
Questions with Correct Answers
What is Software ? - ANSWERSNon-Physical
what attributes should we use to describe software ?
All, part, or only one of the following:
Source Code: logic , screens, tables, etc.
Executable Code
Requirements Specifications
Design Documents
Plans : test plan, project plan, etc.
Test Scenarios and Test Cases
Development Process (w/wo tools)
Software Engineering - ANSWERSSet of specific skills and knowledge applied to the
development and service of software "artifacts"
Process and activities applied to the development and service of software artifacts.
Characterizing and modeling software and processes; then relating them to skills,
knowledge, activities, etc.
What is Management? - ANSWERSApplying the various "management" techniques to
achieve the end goal (Assumes that there are clearly stated project goals!)
Providing an environment that creates the end results in a most efficient manner.
Applying the needed resources to achieve the desired results (which may include
efficiency and other attributes)
Set of processes that develops an environment where people produces the desired end
results in an efficient manner
Management : Art or Science? - ANSWERSscience : it is based on known management
"principles" and "techniques"
Principles: are descriptive and possibly predictive
Techniques: are mostly prescriptive
art : it is "applying" these principles and techniques
dependent on different situations, which may be infinite
dependent on the managers own style and preference
Difference between Managers and Leaders? - ANSWERSLeaders create and commit to
a vision/direction.
,Managers plan, organize and direct the activities towards achieving the vision and
direction.
Leaders/Managers inspire others to follow the direction of the vision/direction
Software Project Management - ANSWERSApplying the appropriate resources &
utilizing the appropriate "management" techniques to produce software artifacts and
services:
in a timely manner
in a financially positive manner
satisfying the requirements (functional and non-functional)
thereby satisfying the users/customers
thereby also satisfying the total constituents
What is a Project? - ANSWERSSet of activities that has:
Beginning
End
Often times it has a specific objective associated with it.
Role of the Manager ? - ANSWERSThe "super developer" who gives directions to
others and, if the project is in jeopardy, performs the tasks himself/herself.
The "inspirational leader" who coerces everyone to perform and give their utmost.
The "super planner" who understands the project, solicits everyone's inputs, plans,
ensures adequate resources are available, and controls the project --- but never
performs any of the actual task himself/herself.
Planning - ANSWERSWhat goes into planning?
Goals
Deliverables
Cost/Effort
Schedule/timing
etc.
Organizing - ANSWERSWhat are we organizing?
Resources
Process
People
Tools
Time (Schedule)
Product/Service components
Monitor (control) - ANSWERSWhat are the items that need to be monitored?
, How often do we monitor?
What do we do with the monitored information?
Are there things that "pop up" without monitoring?
Adjust - ANSWERSAre we allowed to adjust?
What is the consequence if we don't?
What can / should we adjust?
How often should we adjust?
Managing Software Projects - ANSWERSThe management Spectrum (3 P's)
People
The Problem
The Process
Software Project Planning - ANSWERSImprove Productivity
Increase Market Share
Reduce Expense
Improve Competitiveness
Project Planning - ANSWERSUnderstanding the Planning Process
Project deliverables
Deliverable characteristics
Schedules and checkpoints
Cost (people, tools, methods, etc.)
risks
Quick Plan - ANSWERSBrief Project/Product Description
Rough Cost Estimate
High Level Schedule
Explain what type of productivity assumptions are used (even if the assumption is based
on yourself) to come up with the schedule
Comprehensive Plan - ANSWERSWHAT is the project?
Product/Project Description of Deliverables
Product/Project Attributes and Measurements
HOW do you plan to do this?
Process and Methods
Questions with Correct Answers
What is Software ? - ANSWERSNon-Physical
what attributes should we use to describe software ?
All, part, or only one of the following:
Source Code: logic , screens, tables, etc.
Executable Code
Requirements Specifications
Design Documents
Plans : test plan, project plan, etc.
Test Scenarios and Test Cases
Development Process (w/wo tools)
Software Engineering - ANSWERSSet of specific skills and knowledge applied to the
development and service of software "artifacts"
Process and activities applied to the development and service of software artifacts.
Characterizing and modeling software and processes; then relating them to skills,
knowledge, activities, etc.
What is Management? - ANSWERSApplying the various "management" techniques to
achieve the end goal (Assumes that there are clearly stated project goals!)
Providing an environment that creates the end results in a most efficient manner.
Applying the needed resources to achieve the desired results (which may include
efficiency and other attributes)
Set of processes that develops an environment where people produces the desired end
results in an efficient manner
Management : Art or Science? - ANSWERSscience : it is based on known management
"principles" and "techniques"
Principles: are descriptive and possibly predictive
Techniques: are mostly prescriptive
art : it is "applying" these principles and techniques
dependent on different situations, which may be infinite
dependent on the managers own style and preference
Difference between Managers and Leaders? - ANSWERSLeaders create and commit to
a vision/direction.
,Managers plan, organize and direct the activities towards achieving the vision and
direction.
Leaders/Managers inspire others to follow the direction of the vision/direction
Software Project Management - ANSWERSApplying the appropriate resources &
utilizing the appropriate "management" techniques to produce software artifacts and
services:
in a timely manner
in a financially positive manner
satisfying the requirements (functional and non-functional)
thereby satisfying the users/customers
thereby also satisfying the total constituents
What is a Project? - ANSWERSSet of activities that has:
Beginning
End
Often times it has a specific objective associated with it.
Role of the Manager ? - ANSWERSThe "super developer" who gives directions to
others and, if the project is in jeopardy, performs the tasks himself/herself.
The "inspirational leader" who coerces everyone to perform and give their utmost.
The "super planner" who understands the project, solicits everyone's inputs, plans,
ensures adequate resources are available, and controls the project --- but never
performs any of the actual task himself/herself.
Planning - ANSWERSWhat goes into planning?
Goals
Deliverables
Cost/Effort
Schedule/timing
etc.
Organizing - ANSWERSWhat are we organizing?
Resources
Process
People
Tools
Time (Schedule)
Product/Service components
Monitor (control) - ANSWERSWhat are the items that need to be monitored?
, How often do we monitor?
What do we do with the monitored information?
Are there things that "pop up" without monitoring?
Adjust - ANSWERSAre we allowed to adjust?
What is the consequence if we don't?
What can / should we adjust?
How often should we adjust?
Managing Software Projects - ANSWERSThe management Spectrum (3 P's)
People
The Problem
The Process
Software Project Planning - ANSWERSImprove Productivity
Increase Market Share
Reduce Expense
Improve Competitiveness
Project Planning - ANSWERSUnderstanding the Planning Process
Project deliverables
Deliverable characteristics
Schedules and checkpoints
Cost (people, tools, methods, etc.)
risks
Quick Plan - ANSWERSBrief Project/Product Description
Rough Cost Estimate
High Level Schedule
Explain what type of productivity assumptions are used (even if the assumption is based
on yourself) to come up with the schedule
Comprehensive Plan - ANSWERSWHAT is the project?
Product/Project Description of Deliverables
Product/Project Attributes and Measurements
HOW do you plan to do this?
Process and Methods
