2 Software-Project-VS-Other-types-of-Project.ppt

software

1. Software Project VS Other
types of Project
Software projects differ from physical projects (e.g.,
construction) because software is intangible. Its creation is a
cognitive process based on ideas and design, not physical.

2. Software vs. Traditional Projects: Key Differences
While both software and traditional projects share core management principles—Scope, Quality, Time, Cost, and
Risk—their application differs significantly. Software development is dynamic, driven by evolving technology,
contrasting with the stability often seen in traditional projects like construction.
Feature Software Projects Traditional Projects
Tangibility Intangible Tangible
End Product Fluid definition Clear definition
Production Plan Flexible Fixed
Productivity Sensitive to team changes Stable
Methodology Project-specific Standardized
Duplication Easy to copy/distribute Hard to copy/distribute
Customization Easy Effort-intensive

3. Software Project VS Other Project
Here are key characteristics differentiating software projects from others:
1. Development Process
Software development is iterative,
involving continuous testing and
refinement. Other projects
typically follow a more linear
process, from design to
manufacturing.
2. Invisibility
Software progress is often
invisible, based on logical work,
unlike physical projects. Initial
requirements can be uncertain, a
challenge addressed by
methodologies like Agile and
Scrum.
3. Complexity
Software projects are highly
complex. Unlike clear structural
relations in a bridge, software
component interactions are
intricate, with full complexity
revealed only upon
implementation.

4. Key Differentiators: Flexibility and Customization
4. Flexibility
Software projects are highly flexible; developers
can modify them at any stage as clients prioritize
the final outcome. Unlike other projects with visible
progress, this allows greater adaptability for the
team.
5. Customization
Software products are easily customized and
updated to meet evolving user needs, unlike other
products which often require significant effort for
modification.

5. Delivery, Lifespan, Cost, and Intellectual Property
6. Delivery
Software products deliver instantly online; others
need physical delivery, taking longer.
7. Lifespan
Software has a shorter lifespan, often replaced by
newer versions or better alternatives.
8. Cost
Software is generally cheaper to produce and
distribute than other resource-intensive products.
9. Intellectual Property
Software is vulnerable to IP theft due to easy
copying and distribution, unlike physical products.

6. Introduction to Software Project
Management
Sections Covered:
​
1.1 Introduction
​1.2 Why is SPM Important?
​1.3 What is a Project?

7. 1.1 Introduction
​

8. 1.2 Why is
Software
Project
Managem
ent
Important
?
•​​Success
vs. Failure
Success
vs. Failure
:
Good management is the primary difference
:
Good management is the primary difference
between
a successful project and an expensive failure.
between
a successful project and an expensive failure.
•​​Core
Tasks
Core
Tasks
:
It covers planning, organizing, monitoring, and
:
It covers planning, organizing, monitoring, and
controlling
all aspects of the software lifecycle.​
controlling
all aspects of the software lifecycle.​
•For
All Roles
For
All Roles
:
Knowing project management isn't just for
:
Knowing project management isn't just for
managers;
it's vital for software engineers and developers to
managers;
it's vital for software engineers and developers to
understand
project context.
understand
project context.
•​​Keeps
Things on Track
Keeps
Things on Track
:
It is the discipline that ensures the project
:
It is the discipline that ensures the project
meets
its business objectives in a controlled manner.
meets
its business objectives in a controlled manner.

9. 1.3 What is a Project? (Definition)
•​​A
Planned Activity
A
Planned Activity
:
A project is essentially a planned and managed activity
:
A project is essentially a planned and managed activity
to
achieve a specific, defined outcome.​
to
achieve a specific, defined outcome.​
•Solving
a Problem
Solving
a Problem
:
Its goal is to create a solution or product that
:
Its goal is to create a solution or product that
addresses
an existing need or business problem.
addresses
an existing need or business problem.
•​​Temporary
Endeavor
Temporary
Endeavor
:
Crucially, a project has a clear start and end date; it
:
Crucially, a project has a clear start and end date; it
is
not continuous routine work.
is
not continuous routine work.
•​​Planned
Outcome
Planned
Outcome
:
Success is determined by the project's ability to meet
:
Success is determined by the project's ability to meet
its
specified objectives and deliver the expected results
its
specified objectives and deliver the expected results

12. Project
Complexi
ty &
Scale

13. Summary &
Takeaw
ay

14. Core Principles of Software Project Management
Effective software project management balances strategic planning with adaptive execution, ensuring projects deliver value within constraints.
Systematic Approach
Following structured methodologies and
proven frameworks to guide development
from start to finish
Resource Optimization
Efficient allocation and utilization of human
talent, tools, and technical infrastructure
Risk Management
Proactive identification, assessment, and
mitigation of potential project risks
Quality Assurance
Ensuring all deliverables meet or exceed specified requirements
and standards
Stakeholder Communication
Maintaining clear, consistent channels for updates, feedback, and
collaboration

15. Seven Core Management Activities
01
Project Planning & Initiation
Define goals, scope, stakeholders, and
create project charter with feasibility
assessment
02
Scope Management
Gather requirements, create work
breakdown structure, and control changes
03
Time Management
Sequence activities, estimate durations, and
develop comprehensive schedules
04
Resource Management
Form teams, assign roles, allocate
resources, and monitor performance
05
Quality Management
Define standards, establish QA processes,
and implement continuous improvement
06
Risk Management
Identify, assess, mitigate risks, and develop
contingency plans
07
Communication Management
Plan protocols, provide status updates, and maintain comprehensive documentation

16. Project Life Cycle: Five Critical Phases
Initiation
2-4 weeks
Define vision, identify stakeholders, conduct feasibility studies, and create project charter
Planning
4-8 weeks
Detailed requirements analysis, architecture design, scheduling, and risk planning
Execution
12-20 weeks
Software development, team coordination, QA activities, and issue resolution
Monitoring & Control
Ongoing
Performance measurement, budget tracking, quality control, and change management
Closure
2-3 weeks
Final verification, deployment, documentation, and lessons learned capture

17. Case Study: ShopEasy E-Commerce Platform
Project Overview
Duration: 6 months (24 weeks)
Team Size: 8 members
Budget: $150,000
Technology Stack: React.js, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS
Key Features
•User authentication and profiles
•Product catalog with search
•Shopping cart and checkout
•Payment gateway integration
•Order management system
•Admin dashboard and analytics

18. ShopEasy Development Timeline
The project was executed through seven focused sprints, each delivering specific functionality.
1Weeks 1-6: Foundation
Initiation, planning, requirements gathering, and architecture design
completed
2 Weeks 7-8: Authentication
User registration, login, profile management, and security implementation
3Weeks 9-10: Products
Catalog development, search functionality, reviews, and inventory
management
4 Weeks 11-14: Commerce
Shopping cart, checkout process, payment integration, and order
management
5Weeks 15-18: Admin & Testing
Dashboard, analytics, comprehensive testing, and bug fixes
6 Weeks 19-24: Launch
Deployment preparation, UAT, production launch, and project closure

19. Critical Success Factors
Critical Path Activities
These sequential activities directly impact project completion:
1.Requirements gathering System design Database design
→ →
2.Frontend development Backend API Integration testing
→ →
3.Payment integration Security testing Deployment
→ →
Key Milestones
•Week 2: Project approval
•Week 6: Planning complete
•Week 12: Core functionality done
•Week 18: Testing complete
•Week 24: Project delivery
Parallel Activities
These can run simultaneously to optimize timeline:
•UI/UX design with backend architecture
•Documentation updates throughout development
•Module testing as features complete

20. Essential Project Management Tools
Project Management
Jira: Agile project management and issue tracking
Microsoft Project: Detailed scheduling and
resource management
Trello: Simple task management and collaboration
Communication
Slack: Real-time team messaging
Microsoft Teams: Video conferencing and
collaboration
Confluence: Documentation and knowledge
sharing
Development
Git: Version control and code management
Jenkins: Continuous integration and deployment
Docker: Containerization and environment
management

21. Best Practices for Project Success
Quality Assurance Excellence
•Conduct regular code reviews and pair
programming sessions
•Implement automated testing for faster
feedback
•Establish continuous integration practices
•Monitor and optimize performance
continuously
Effective Risk Management
•Schedule regular risk assessment meetings
with the team
•Maintain an updated risk register with
current mitigation status
•Implement early warning systems for
potential issues
•Develop and test contingency plans for
high-risk scenarios
Stakeholder Engagement
•Provide transparent, regular progress
updates
•Create feedback loops for continuous
improvement
•Maintain comprehensive, accessible
documentation
•Facilitate effective meetings with clear
agendas and outcomes

22. Keys to Successful Software Project Management
Success in software project management requires understanding that all
activities are interconnected and demand constant attention throughout
the project lifecycle.
Essential Takeaways
•Balance systematic planning with adaptive execution
•Maintain clear communication across all stakeholders
•Monitor progress and adjust course proactively
•Focus relentlessly on delivering stakeholder value
•Learn from each project to improve future outcomes
Project managers must be prepared to adapt their approaches based
on project-specific requirements while keeping their eyes on the ultimate
goal: delivering high-quality software that meets business objectives.

23. Introduction
•
Effective project execution requires a clear plan based on suitable methods.
•
Methods guide how tasks are done, while plans organize when and by whom.
•
Together, they form the foundation of project management.
Plans, Methods, and Methodologies

24. What is a Method?
•
• A syste matic wa y of carry ing out a n activ ity.
•
• Defines how a p articular ta sk sho uld be performe d.
•
Examp le (Softwa re Testin g):
•
– Analy ze requ irements
•
– Desig n test ca ses
•
– Write tes t scripts
•
– Comp are actu al vs ex pected re sults

25. What is a Plan?
•
• Conve rts metho ds into p ractical, s ched uled ac tivities.
•
• Defines :
•
- Start and end da tes
•
- Respo nsible p ersons /team
•
- Require d tools a nd mate rials
•
- Expec ted outp uts

26. Example – Software Testing Plan
•
Step 1: A nalyze requirem ents – 2 days (QA Lea d)
•
Step 2: W rite test ca ses – 3 days (T est En gineer)
•
Step 3: P repare s cripts – 2 days (A utoma tion Tea m)
•
Step 4: E xecute tests – 4 days (Q A Tea m)
•
Step 5: C ompare results – 2 days (QA Le ad)

27. Relationship Between Methods and Plans
•
• Meth od s d efi ne HOW wo rk is don e.
•
• Plan s d ef ine WH EN , BY WH OM, a nd WIT H W HA T i t wi ll b e d one .
•
• Outp ut of one m eth od o fte n b ec om es inpu t to a not her .
•
Ex am ple: Re qu ire men t a naly sis → D esig n p has e.

28. What is a Methodology?
Examples of Methodologies
•• Waterfall Model – Sequential phase-based
•• Agile Methodology – Iterative and flexible
•• Object-Oriented Design – Focus on objects and reusability
•• Spiral Model – Combines design and prototyping

29. Importance of Plans, Methods, and Methodologies
•
• Ensure consis tency a nd efficie ncy
•
• Help in ris k identific ation an d contro l
•
• Facilitate team co ordinatio n
•
• Enable measu rement a nd mon itoring
•
• Ensure high-qu ality proje ct outpu t

30. Summary
•
Plan – C onverts method s into ac tion (de fines 'wh en' & 'who ')
•
Method – Define s 'how' th e task is perform ed
•
Method ology – Framew ork of me thods ensurin g consis tency
•
Method ologies combin e and o rganiz e metho ds for proje ct goals .
•
Togeth er, they e nsure s tructured , predic table, an d high-qu ality exe cution.