DHANALAKSHMI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, CHENNAI

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

MG6088 - SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

UNIT – I : INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Define – Project

A project is defined as specific plan or design, planned undertaking and large undertaking.

Project is also defined as a planned activity.

Example: Public works

2. Define – Process [N – 11]

Process is a set of activities which involves substantial interaction among two or more organizations. If

a single organization performs most or all of the activities, the description of those activities is generally

considered as procedure.

Process description is a document which includes the results of the process definition and describes

the process in more detail.

3. List some of the key characteristics of project. [N – 12, M -12]

Some of the key characteristics of project are

Non-routine tasks are involved.

Planning is required.

The project has a predetermined time span.

People are formed into temporary work group to carry out the task.

Work is carried out in several phases.

The resources that are available for use on the project are constrained.

4. Define – Software Project Management

Software Project Management is the art and science of planning and leading software projects.

It is a sub-discipline of project management in which software projects are planned, monitored and

controlled.

5. List out the factors that decide the success of a project. [N – 12, M -12] Factors that decide the success of a project are

Schedule

Scope

Cost

Quality

Staff

6. Distinguish between verification and validation.

Verification Validation

1) Are we building the product right?

2) Verification refers to the set of activities that

ensure that the software correctly

implements a specific function.

1) Are we building the right product?

2) Validation refers to a different set of

activities that ensure that the software that

has been built is traceable to customer

requirements.

7. Define – Management

Management is defined as the combination of set of activities such as planning, organizing, staffing,

directing, monitoring, controlling, innovating and representing.

Management can also be defined as the challenges fared by the leader/manager of an organization.

8. List out the elements of product description.

The elements of product description are

the name of the product

the purpose of the product

the derivation of the product

the composition of the product

the form of the product

the relevant standards

9. List out any three problems associated with software projects.

Some of the problems associated with software projects are

Poor estimates and plans

Lack of quality standards and measures

Change of environment

Changing requirements

Lack of communication between user and technician

Lack of durability

10. Differentiate software projects from other projects. [M – 12, N - 11]

The characteristics of software projects are

Invisibility

Complexity

Conformity

Flexibility

11. Define − Product Breakdown Structure [PBS] [M – 12]

The products will form a hierarchy. The main products will have sets of component products which in

turn may have sub-component products, and so on. These relationships can be documented in a Product

Breakdown Structure [PBS].

Product Breakdown Structure [PBS] is presented as a hierarchy diagram. It may be more convenient

to produce a structured list.

12. List out the categories of stakeholders.

The categories of stakeholders are

Internal to the project team

External to the project team but within the same organization

External to both the project team and the organization

13. List out the competencies of project management skills.

Some of the competencies of project management skills are

Documenting plan

Estimating cost

Estimating effort

Managing risks

Scheduling

Tracking processes

14. Define − Feasibility study

Feasibility study assesses whether a project is worth starting. Information is gathered about the

requirements of the proposed application.

The study could be part of a strategic planning exercise examining a range of potential software

development.

15. Define − Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is an organization‟s process of defining its strategy, or duration and making

decisions on allocating its resources to pressure this strategy including its capital and people.

It is the process of identifying an organization‟s long term goals and objectives and then determining

the best approach for achieving those goals and objective

16. Define – PM Triangle

It is a model of the constraints of project management. It is a graphic aid where the three attributes

show on the corners of the triangle to show opposition. It is useful to help with intentionally choosing project

biases, or analyzing the goals of a project. It is used to illustrate that project management success is measured

by the project team's ability to manage the project, so that the expected results are produced while managing

time and cost.

PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Write notes on contract management. (8)

2. Explain in detail, the various SDLC activities as outlined by ISO 12207 with a neat diagram. (8) [M-12, N -12]

3. Explain in detail, the various activities to be performed in analyzing the project characteristics. (8)

4. Explain in detail, the activities of software project management with an example. (16)

[M -12]

[N -12, N - 11]

5. What is Project Breakdown Structure (PBS)? Draw the hierarchical diagram of a sample PBS. (16)

6. Explain in detail, stepwise project planning activities with a neat diagram. (16) [N – 12]

7. Identify the data to be collected to ensure that during the execution of a project things are going

according to the plan. (16) [N – 11]

8. Draw product breakdown structure and product flow diagram for online ticket reservation. (16)

9. What is Management? Explain in detail, management control. (16)

UNIT – II : PROJECT EVALUATION

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Define – Technical Assessment

Technical assessment of a proposed system consists of evaluating whether the required functionality

can be achieved with current affordable technologies.

Organizational policy aimed at providing a consistent hardware/software infrastructure is limit the

technical solutions considered.

2. Define − Project Portfolio Management

Project portfolio management provides an overview of all the projects that an organization is

undertaking or is considering.

It provides the allocation of resources to projects and decides which new projects should be accepted

and which existing ones should be dropped.

3. List out the disadvantages of project portfolio management.

The disadvantages of project portfolio management are

The project portfolio may not accurately reflect organizational activity if some projects are

excluded.

There are some problems in coordination and resource allocation.

4. Define – Programme

Programme in software project strategic assessment is defined as a group of projects that are

managed in a coordinated way to gain benefits that would not be possible were the projects to be managed

independently.

Different forms of programmes are business cycle programme, strategic programme, infrastructure

programme and research and development programme.

5. List out the principles for selecting a project team.

The key principles are

Good Communication

Technical skills

24/7 working time

6. Define – Portfolio

Relates to, denoting, or engaged in an employment pattern that involves a succession of short-term

contracts and part-time work, rather than the more traditional model of a long-term single job.

7. List out the goals of Software project.

Quality

Speed

Accuracy

Time

cost

8. List out any two steps that are used in cost benefit analysis.

The two steps that are used in cost benefit analysis are

Identifying all of the costs and benefits of carrying out the project and operating the delivered

application.

Expressing these costs and benefits in common units.

9. Define – Payback period

Payback period is the time taken to break even or payback the initial investment.

The project with shortest payback period will be chosen on the basis that an organization will wish

to minimize the time that the project is „in debt‟.

10. List out the advantages and the disadvantages of payback period.

The advantage of the payback period is that it is simple to calculate and is not particul

sensitive to small forecasting errors.

The disadvantage of payback period is that it ignores the overall profitability of the

project.

11. Define − Return On Investment [M – 12]

The Return On Investment also known as Accounting Rate of Return [ARR]. It provides

the way of comparing the net profitability to the investment required.

ROI can be calculated using the following formula,

12. State the significance of cost benefit analysis.

[N – 12]

The significance of cost benefit analysis are

Takes a community wide perspective

1) Allows the consideration of a range of policy option.

2) Determine which policy maximizes net benefits to the community.

3) Allows benefits and costs to be compared over time.

4) Can show the cost and benefits occurring to different groups within community.

13. How Net Present Value is calculated for a project?

[N – 12]

The calculation of net present value is a project evaluation technique that takes into

account the profitability of a project and the timing of the cash flows that are produced.

The NPV for a project is obtained by discounting each cash flow and summing the discounted value.

14. Define − IRR [N – 11, M - 12]

The Internal Rate of Return [IRR] attempts to provide a profitability measure as a percentage return

that is directly comparable with interest rates.

The IRR is calculated as that percentage discount rate that would produce an NPV of zero. It is most

easily calculated using a spreadsheet or other computer program that provides functions for calculating the IR.

15. List out the project portfolio management models.

Objectives, Functions, Performance, constraints, scope, cost or benefits.

16. Write the significance of Project Risk Matrix. Give an example. [M – 12]

Project risk matrix utilizing the checklist of possible risks and classifying risks according to the relative

importance and likelihood. Importance and likelihood need to be separately assessed.

Importance and likelihood are classified as high [H], medium [M], low[L] or exceedingly unlikely[-].

Risks Importance Likelihood

Client rejects proposed look and feel of site H -

Competitors undercut prices H M

Warehouse unable to deal with increased demand M L

Online payment has security problems M M

Maintenance costs higher than estimated L L

Response times deter purchases M M

17. Define − Blueprint

A blueprint is a reproduction of a technical drawing, documenting an architecture or

an engineering design, using a contact print process on light-sensitive sheets.

18. Define − Dependency Diagram

Dependencies are one form of constraints for any project. Dependencies are any relationship connections

between activities in a project that may impact their scheduling.

PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Explain in detail, the Internal Rate of Return(IRR) method for measuring the profitability of a project.

Also mention its advantages over the NPV method. (8) [M – 12, N - 12]

2. Explain in detail, the various issues to be addressed in evaluating the risks before deciding to take up a

project. (8) [M – 12]

3. Explain in detail, how a project can be evaluated against strategic, technical and economic criteria. (8)

[N – 11]

4. Evaluate the risk involved in a project and suggest appropriate strategies for minimizing the potential

cost.(8) [N – 11]

5. Explain in detail, how risks are handled in a project. Give examples. (16) [N – 12]

6. Explain in detail, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) method for measuring the profitability of a project.

Also mention its advantages over the NPV method. (16) [M - 12]

7. Explain in detail, how cost-benefit evaluation techniques can be used to choose the best among

competing project proposals. (16) [N – 11, M - 12]

8. How does the present value of future cash flow found? (8) [N - 11]

UNIT – III : ACTIVITY PLANNING

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Define – Activity Planning

A detailed plan for the project, however, must also include a schedule indicating the start and

completion times for each activity.

2. List out the objectives of activity planning. [N - 12] Feasibility assessment

Resource allocation

Detailed costing

Motivation

Co-ordination.

3. What are the three approaches that are used to identify the activities or tasks of a

Project?

Activity-based approach- constraints stemming from the relationships between projects

Product-based approach- instructor becomes an active member of the project team

Hybrid approach- Decision support system for software project management

4. Define – Product Flow Diagram

Product flow diagram deals with product design stages.

5. List out the categories of WBS .

Project- engineering resources has been developed by TASK

Deliverables- term for the quantifiable goods or services

Components- designing the floor plane

Work-packages- Models for the description of software artifacts

Tasks- Creation and distribution of organizing software

6. List out the main stages in a project schedule.

Identifying activities

Risk Analysis

Resource Allocation

Schedule

7. What are the types of network planning models?

CPM

PERT

Precedence Network

8. Define − Forward Pass Rule [N – 12, M -12]

The forward pass is carried out to calculate the earliest dates on which each activity may be started

and completed.

Significance- calculation method used in Critical Path Method

9. Define − Backward Pass Rule [N - 12] The second stage in the analysis of a critical path network is to carry out a backward pass

to calculate the latest date at which each activity may be started and finished without delaying the end date of

the project. The calculating the latest dates, we assume that the latest finish date for the project is the same

as the earliest finish date- that is we wish to complete the project as early as possible.

10. Differentiate Free Floats from Interfering Floats. How are they calculated? [M - 12]

Free float is free from fixed .Interfering floats have fixed contract time.

11. Define – Activity-on-arrow Network [N - 12 ]

Activity-on-arrow Network represent activities by links[arrows] and ime the nodes represent event of

activities starting or finishing.

12. Define – Dangle [M - 12]

Dangle is an activity or network which has either no predecessors or no successors.

It is referred to as an isolated activity.

13. Define – Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a group or individual creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a

conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its member[s].

14. Define − Knowledge Management

Knowledge Management deals with knowledge exploration techniques that are to be needed in

working environment.

15. List out the factors that are used to identify the risk. [M – 11, N - 12]

Risk Identification- Organizations and project teams

Risk Analysis- Includes a download demo and other decision analysis tools

Risk Planning- assessment is an important part

Risk Monitoring- identify Development Environment Risks.

16. Define – Risk Management

Contingency

Deciding on the risk action

Creating and maintaining the risk register.

17. List out the advantages of PERT.

Flexibility

Easy to implement

Reusability

PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Explain in detail, the different approaches for identifying, and monitoring and control activities with a neat

diagram. (16)

2. Explain in detail, the different network planning models. Write examples for precedence construction. (16)

[M-11, N - 12]

3. Explain in detail, the forward pass and backward pass with examples. (8)

4. Explain in detail, the critical path method that can be can be identified in precedence networks.

(16)

5. Explain in detail, the steps involved in risk planning. (8) [M – 12, N – 12]

6. Explain in detail, the methodology that is used to evaluate the risk in a project. (8) [N – 12]

7. List out the top ten software project risks and explain the strategies for reducing each of the risks.

(16) [M – 12, N -11]

8. How is the effect of risk on project schedule evaluated using PERT? (16) [M - 12]

UNIT – IV : MONITORING AND CONTROL

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Define – Project Control

Project control uses the information supplied by the monitoring techniques in order to bring project

actual results in line with stated project performance standards.

2. Define – Checkpoints

Check points are used to measure the project evaluation time.

3. Define – Review points

Review points are used to measure effectiveness of the project.

4. Write a note on project steering committee.

Project steering committee is used to keep track of projects on scheduled date and time.

5. List out the different categories of reporting

RAG [Red, Amber, Green]

Activity Assessment Sheet

Time Sheet

6. Define – Gantt chart

Gantt chart is the simplest and oldest technique for tracking project progress. It is an activity bar chart

indicating scheduled activity dates and durations , frequently augmented with activity floats.

7. Define – Slip chart

Slip chart provides a more sticking visual indication of those activities that are not progressing to

schedule – the more slip line bends , the greater the variation plan.

8. Define – Ball Chart

Ball Chart is used to indicate whether the expected target is met or not.

9. Define – Timeline Chart

It is a method of recording and displaying the way in which targets have changed throughout the

duration of the project.

10. List the popular visual tools that are used for monitoring and tracking the project progress. [M – 11, N - 12]

Ball chart

Gannt chart

Timeline chart

11. What are the methods for assigning earned value in earned value analysis. [N - 11]

0/100 technique

50/50 technique

Milestone technique

12. Define – Earned value analysis

is a measure of progress

enables us to assess the “percent of completeness” of a project using quantitative analysis rather

than rely on a gut feeling

“Provides accurate and reliable readings of performance from as early as 15 percent into the

project.”

A technique used to help determine and manage project progress and the magnitude of any

variations from the planned values concerning cost, schedule, and performance.

13. Define - BCWS

It is the budgeted cost of work that has actually been performed in carrying out a scheduled task

during a specific time period. NASA's definition of the BCWS is the sum of the budgets for completed work

packages and completed portions of open work packages, plus the applicable portion of the budgets for level

of effort and apportioned effort.

14. Define – BCWP

BCWP is the sum of the budgets for completed work packages and completed portions of open work

packages, plus the applicable portion of the budgets for level of effort and apportioned effort.

15. Define – Milestone technique

A milestone is a significant event in a project , usually associated with a major work product or

deliverable. Stages or phases are not milestones but are collections of related product activities.

16. Define – ACWP

ACWP is used to represent Actual Cost for Work Performed.

17. Define – Cost variance

The cost variance is measured in cost terms as EV-PV and indicates the degree to which the value of

completed work differs from that planned.

18. Define – CPI

CPI stands for Cost Performance Index. It is the ratio between BCWP and BCWS.

19. Define - EAC

In finance the equivalent annual cost [EAC] is the cost per year of owning and operating an asset over

its entire lifespan.EAC is often used as a decision making tool in capital budgeting when comparing investment

projects of unequal lifespans.

20. Define- COTS

In the United States, Commercial Off-The-Shelf [COTS] is a Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR]

term for goods available in the commercial marketplace that can be bought and used under government

contract. For example consumer goods and construction materials may qualify but bulk cargo does not.

21. Define - EVM

Earned value project/performance management [EVPM] is a project management technique for

measuring project performance and progress in an objective manner.

22. Define Hazard analysis.

A hazard analysis is a process used to assess risk. The results of a hazard analysis are the

identification of unacceptable risks and the selection of means of controlling or eliminating them. The term is

used in several engineering specialties, including avionics, chemical process safety, safety engineering and

food safety.

23. Define – Cost monitoring

Used to compare expected cost of development system and operation with its benefits.

24. Define – CCA

CCA stands for construction Association. Used to help project managers in developing the project .

25. List out the contents of typical terms of contract.

Areas

Advantages

Market Share

To find new partners

To distribute goods and services.

26. What are the stages of contract placement?

Fixed price contracts.

Time and materials contracts.

Fixed price per delivered unit contracts.

PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Explain in detail, the usage of check points in monitoring. (16) [N – 12, M - 12]

2. Write any two advantages of function point analysis. (16) [N - 11]

3. Explain in detail, the bespoke system. (16) [N – 11, M - 12]

4. Explain in detail, the roles and responsibilities of configuration librarian. (16) [M - 12]

5. Explain in detail, the various ways of visualizing the progress of a project. (8) [N - 12]

6. Explain in detail, the change control process applicable for an operational system. (8) [N - 12]

7. Explain in detail, the controlling changes to project requirement. (8) [N – 12, M - 11]

8. Explain the various types of contracts with examples. (16) [N - 12]

UNIT – V : MANAGING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZING TEAMS

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Differentiate project process with product process.

2. Write the six classes of product domain.

Customer

Business

Industrial

Real-time

Really-timely,

Scientific

3. List out the three individual personality models.

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator

Fundamental Interpersonal Relations orientation – Behavior[FIRO-B] model,

The kersey Temperament sorter.

4. Define - Milestone

A milestone is a significant event in a project, usually associated with a major work product or

deliverable. Stages or phases are not milestones but are collections of related product activities.

5. List out the Leader‟s style.

Telling

Selling

Participating

Delegating

Project Process Product Process

Used to describe and organize the

work of the project

Specifies and create the project

product.

Defined by PMI PMBOK Defined by the lifecycle used

Defined by the American society of

Quality [ASQ]

Certified software Quality

Engineer[CSQE]

6. List out the five process of Project Management Institute [PMI].

Initiating

Planning

Executing

Controlling

Closing

7. Define – Mission Statement

Statement containing the mission of the project that is to be satisfied by project manager.

8. Define – Corporate culture

Corporate culture contains good communication, coordination and team work.

9. Define − Organizational behavior

Organizational behavior deals with organization structure, core planning and its objectives.

10. Define – Taylor‟s View

Taylor the father of scientific management had three basic objectives to work out the most

productive way of doing tasks. They are

To select the best person for the job.

To instruct such people in the best methods.

To give incentives in the form of higher wages to the best workers.

„Taylorism‟ is often represented as a crude and mechanism, as he emphasis on the exclusively financial basis

of staff motivation.

11. Define – Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. [M – 12, N - 11]

Self Actualization

Self Esteem/ Recognition /Achievement

Belongingness

Safety/ Security

Physiology

12. State Herzberg‟s two-factor theory

Maslow's need approach has been considerably modified by Frederick Herzberg. His research

purports to find a two-factor theory of motivation. In one group of needs are such things as company policy and

administration, supervision, working conditions, interpersonal relations, salary, status, and job security. These

were found by Herzberg and his associates to be only dissatisfies and not motivators. Their existence does not

motivate in the sense of yielding satisfaction; their lack of existence would, however, result in dissatisfaction.

Herzberg called them maintenance, hygiene or job context factors.

13. List out the methods for improving motivation.

Set specific tasks

provide feedback

Consider job design.

14. List out the stages of team formation model. [N – 12, M -12] Forming- The members of the groups get to know each other and try to set up some ground rules

about behavior

Storming- one nice packaging, all for publishing need

Norming- Asset Management is a powerful and complete asset management solution

Performing- Optimize project delivery across the software

15. Write the five basic stages of development.

Defining the product

Documenting plan

Estimating cost

Estimating effort.

16. What are the advantages of functional team format?

Complete the project on time

Complete the project within budget.

Meet requirements.

Meet expectations

17. List out the categories of decisions.

Planning

Control

Maintenance

18. List out the mental obstacles of good decision-making.

Complete the project on time

Complete the project within budget.

Meet requirements.

Meet expectations

19. Define – Egoless programming [M – 12, N - 11]

Egoless Programming is a general term applying to the entire class of drives, desires, needs, wishes,

and similar forces. Managers, as a part of motivating their staff, do all such things which they hope will satisfy

these drives and desires and induce the subordinates to act in a desired manner.

20. Define – Stress [N - 12]

Projects are about overcoming obstacles and achieving objectives. Almost by definition both the

project manager and team members will be under pressure. Once a project gets rolling, you should

expect members to be putting in atleast 60 hours a week.. the project must except to put in as many

hours as possible.

Stress can be caused by role ambiguity and role conflict.

21. Define – Health

Health is wealth that is to be maintained.

22. Define – Safety

The primary goal of safety engineering is to manage risk, eliminating or reducing it to acceptable

levels. Risk is the combination of the probability of a failure event, and the severity resulting from the failure.

23. What are the risk factors of health and safety?

Stress

Timeliness

Angry

Disinterest

PART B – (16 Marks)

1. Explain in detail, the organizational behavior with examples. (16) [N - 12]

2. List out the steps involved in selecting the right person for the job. (16) [N - 12]

3. Explain in detail, the procedure for selecting a new staff and how he / she can be introduced

into a project. (16) [N – 11, M - 12]

4. Write a note on Oldham-Hackman Job characteristics model. (8) [M - 12]

5. Explain in detail, the Recruitment process. (8)

6. List out the characteristics that are needed to improve the group performance. (16) [N – 11, N - 12]

7. Explain in detail, the leadership styles. (16) [N - 11]