Summary Information Technology Project Management - Software Project Management

📘 Chapter 1: Introduction to Project
Management

1.1 Overview

This opening chapter introduces the foundation of project management (PM) — what projects
are, why they matter, and how structured management practices improve success rates.​
It also introduces the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMBOK Guide, and the roles and
responsibilities of a project manager in a modern organization.

1.2 What Is a Project?

Definition (PMI):​
A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

Key Characteristics:

●​ Temporary: has a definite start and end date.​

●​ Unique: delivers a specific outcome, not routine work.​

●​ Progressive Elaboration: evolves in steps, refined as details emerge.​

●​ Purpose-driven: aimed at achieving defined objectives within constraints of scope, time,
and budget.​


Examples:

●​ Developing a new app or software product.​

●​ Constructing a building.​

●​ Organizing a conference or marketing campaign.​

●​ Implementing a new HR system.​

,1.3 Projects vs. Operations
Aspect Projects Operations

Duration Temporary Ongoing

Objective Create unique result Maintain steady state

Change Drives change Supports stability

Example Launching a new Maintaining existing IT
website systems

Projects often lead to or modify operations. After project completion, deliverables transition into
operational use.

1.4 What Is Project Management?

Definition (PMBOK 7th Edition):​
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project
activities to meet project requirements.

Key Components:

●​ Knowledge Areas: Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, HR, Communication, Risk,
Procurement, Integration, and Stakeholder Management.​

●​ Triple Constraint: balancing Scope, Time, and Cost — adjusting one affects the
others.​

●​ Extended Constraints: now includes Quality, Resources, and Risk.​



1.5 The Importance of Project Management

Effective PM improves:

●​ Efficiency: structured process ensures timely and cost-effective results.​

●​ Customer satisfaction: clear goals and deliverables meet expectations.​

●​ Strategic alignment: projects support business objectives.​

●​ Risk control: early identification and mitigation.​

, ●​ Communication: organized stakeholder interaction.​


💡 “Project management turns vision into reality through disciplined execution.”
1.6 Project Management Framework

Projects operate within a framework that includes:

1.​ Project Life Cycle​

2.​ Project Management Process Groups​

3.​ Knowledge Areas​


1.6.1 Project Life Cycle

Phases typically include:

1.​ Initiating – define purpose, create charter, identify stakeholders.​

2.​ Planning – establish scope, schedule, cost, and risks.​

3.​ Executing – perform work to meet specifications.​

4.​ Monitoring & Controlling – track progress, manage changes.​

5.​ Closing – finalize all activities, hand off deliverables.​


Each phase ends with a review or gate before moving to the next.

, 1.6.2 Process Groups

The five process groups (as per PMBOK) apply to all projects:

Group Description Key Outputs

Initiating Authorize the project Project charter

Planning Define course of action Project plan, scope
statement

Executing Carry out plan Deliverables

Monitoring & Controlling Track progress and Status reports, change logs
adjust

Closing Complete formally Lessons learned, sign-off



1.6.3 Knowledge Areas

Each process group involves specific knowledge areas (10 total):

1.​ Integration​

2.​ Scope​

3.​ Schedule​

4.​ Cost​

5.​ Quality​

6.​ Resource​

7.​ Communications​

8.​ Risk​

9.​ Procurement​

10.​Stakeholder​


These represent what a project manager must manage.