Solutions.
Software project management correct answers • Concerned with activities involved in ensuring
that software is delivered on time and on schedule and in accordance with the requirements of
the organisations developing and procuring the software.
• Project management is needed because software development is always subject to budget and
schedule constraints that are set by the organisation developing the software.
Software management distinctions correct answers • The product is intangible.
• The product is uniquely flexible.
• Previously, software engineering is not recognized as an engineering discipline with the same
status as mechanical, electrical engineering, etc.
• The software development process is not standardised.
• Many software projects are 'one-off' projects.
Project Management Basics correct answers • Thankless job
• Difficult Job
Thankless job correct answers - success is not noticeable
• little evidence the manager did anything
• project looks simple in hindsight
- failure is very obvious
• the manager will get blamed when things go wrong
Difficult Job correct answers - Problems to solve include:
• Do we have the resources (funding, people, time) for the task?
• Are we certain the task is stated correctly?
• How can we use limited resources most effectively?
• How does recent (lack of) progress affect the plan?
• What lessons can be learnt for future tasks?
Principles of Management correct answers • A manager can control 4 things:
- Resources
- Time
- Product
- Risk
• Approach (applies to any management)
- Understand the goals and objectives
• quantify them where possible
- Understand the constraints
• if there is uncertainty, use probability estimates
- Plan to meet the objectives within the constraints
- Monitor and adjust the plan
- Preserve a calm, productive, positive work environment
, A manager can control 4 things correct answers - Resources (can get more dollars, facilities,
personnel)
- Time (can increase schedule, delay milestones, etc.)
- Product (can reduce functionality - e.g. scrub requirements)
- Risk (can decide which risks are acceptable)
Management activities correct answers • Proposal writing.
• Project planning and scheduling.
• Project costing.
• Project monitoring and reviews.
• Personnel selection and evaluation.
• Report writing and presentations.
Management commonalities correct answers • These activities are not peculiar to software
management.
• Many techniques of engineering project management are equally applicable to software project
management.
• Technically complex engineering systems tend to suffer from the same problems as software
systems.
Project staffing correct answers • May not be possible to appoint the ideal people to work on a
project
- Project budget may not allow for the use of highly-paid staff;
- Staff with the appropriate experience may not be available;
- An organisation may wish to develop employee skills on a software project.
• Managers have to work within these constraints especially when there are shortages of trained
staff.
Project planning correct answers • Probably the most time-consuming project management
activity.
• Continuous activity from initial concept through
to system delivery. Plans must be regularly revised as new information becomes available.
• Various different types of plan may be developed to support the main software project plan that
is concerned with schedule and budget.
Types of project plan correct answers Quality plan
Validation plan
Configuration management plan
Maintenance plan
Staff development plan.
Quality plan correct answers Describes the quality procedures and standards that will be used in
a project.