Page 15 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 1: Introduction to Software Project Management

We now briefly study each of the above steps: Notes
1. Project Scope Definition and Scope Planning: In this step we document the project work
that would facilitate us to attain the project goal. We document the supposition, constraints,
business requirements, user expectations, technical requirements, project objectives, project
deliverables and everything that describes the final product requirements. This is the
foundation for a successful project completion.
2. Quality Planning: The pertinent quality standards are determined for the project. This is
an significant aspect of Project Planning. Based on the inputs captured in the previous
steps such as the Project Scope, Requirements, deliverables, etc. a range of factors influencing
the quality of the final product are determined. The processes required to deliver the
Product as assured and as per the standards are defined.
3. Project Activity Definition and Activity Sequencing: In this step we describe all the specific
activities that must be performed to deliver the product by producing the various product
deliverables. The Project Activity sequencing recognizes the interdependence of all the
activities defined.
4. Time, Effort and Resource Estimation: One time the Scope, Activities and Activity
interdependence is evidently defined and documented, the next vital step is to decide the
effort required to complete each of the activities. The Effort can be calculated using one of
the many techniques obtainable such as Function Points, Lines of Code, Complexity of
Code, Benchmarks, etc. This step clearly estimates and documents the time, effort and
resource required for each activity.
5. Risk Factors Identification: “Expecting the unexpected and facing it”. It is significant to
recognize and document the risk factors associated with the project based on the
assumptions, constraints, user expectations, specific situation, etc.
6. Schedule Development: The time plan for the project can be arrived at based on the activities,
interdependence and effort required for each of them. The schedule may power the cost
estimates, the cost benefit analysis and so on. Project Scheduling is one of the most
significant task of Project Planning and also the most complex tasks. In very large projects
it is possible that several teams work on developing the project. They may work on it in
equivalent. However their work may be mutually dependent. Again various factors may
impact in effectively scheduling a project

 Teams not directly under our control
 Resources with not enough experience
Popular Tools can be used for creating and reporting the schedules such as Gantt Charts

Did u know? What is Gantt Charts?
A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that demonstrates a project schedule. Gantt charts
show the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and outline elements of a
project.
7. Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Based on the information composed in all the previous
steps it is possible to estimate the cost concerned in executing and implementing the
project. A Cost Benefit Analysis can be inwards for the project. Based on the Cost Estimates
Budget allocation is done for the project.

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