Definitions
System – packaged hardware and software
Platform software – Operating System Infrastructure software – other servers,
middleware, utilities Application – custom software Project – a measurable process to build
systems
Project attributes
Special activity that it is a temporary organization it has some particular goal the result must be clearly determined in advance it has a specified time frame it requires assembled resources It has a pre-defined approach to how the result may
be achieved
Benefits from project based approach
Following methodology ensures that no steps are missed
Detailed blueprint makes all the project team members more productive
Identification of specific responsibilities reduces confusion between team members
Definition of constraints increase the likelihood of staying within the project constraints (time, budget)
Having milestones simplifies project monitoring Early identification of deviations enables early correction
Project is successful when
It is completed in time It comes in at or below planned
expenditures It meets the specifications and the
deliverables are accepted by end users or assigned authority
Information Technology Project Management, Fifth Edition, Copyright 2007
What Helps Projects Succeed?*
1. Executive support
2. User involvement
3. Experienced project manager
4. Clear business objectives
5. Minimized scope
6. Standard software infrastructure
7. Firm basic requirements
8. Formal methodology
9. Reliable estimates
10. Other criteria, such as small milestones, proper planning, competent staff, and ownership
*The Standish Group, “Extreme CHAOS,” (2001).
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Project Management Processes
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Project stakeholders
Stakeholder – anyone (individuals, or groups) who is affected by the project development
Example: Obvious:
Users Developers
Less obvious: Legal department Information security department Customer relationships department
System development tasks and roles
Business Analyst – provide the team with concise and accurate knowledge of the business
Database Architect – designing and building databases Document Architect – creates all documentation required to support
the system Infrastructure Architect – design, build, and monitors the development
and implementation infrastructures Object Architect (Designer) – create object models Object Developer (Programmer) – builds the application from object
models Project Manager – controls the scope, directs the team, monitors
issues, institutes change control, and conducts project status reporting
System development tasks and roles
Project Sponsor – sets strategic direction, selects Business Area Experts, makes the final decision for all cost-related issues
Release Manager – controls current release deliverables and sign off to production
Tester – develops test plan and implement testing Trainer – creates training curriculum, provides training material,
trains users User – business representatives to use the system
Information Technology Project Management, Fifth Edition, Copyright 2007
The Project Management Triangle
Successful project management means meeting all three goals (scope, time, and cost) – and satisfying the project’s sponsor!
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Project Management Job Functions
Define scope of the project Identify stakeholders, decision makers, and escalation
procedures Develop detailed tasks list (Work Breakdown Structure) Identify interdependencies Estimate time requirements Identify and evaluate risks Identify and track critical milestones Report project status
Information Technology Project Management, Fifth Edition, Copyright 2007
Ten Most Important Skills and Competencies for Project Managers
1. People skills2. Leadership3. Listening4. Integrity, ethical behavior, consistent5. Strong at building trust6. Verbal communication7. Strong at building teams8. Conflict resolution, conflict management9. Critical thinking, problem solving10. Understands, balances priorities
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Project Management Documents
Project Charter, including: Communication Plan Risks management Issues Management Escalation procedures Others
Project Plan Issues Log Decisions log
Technical Documents
Business Requirements Functional Requirements Non-Functional Requirements Detailed Technical Requirements Architectural Solution Design Solution Testing Plan
A WBS is a deliverable-oriented grouping of the work involved in a project that defines the total scope of the project
WBS is a foundation document that provides the basis for planning and managing project schedules, costs, resources, and changes
Decomposition is subdividing project deliverables into smaller pieces
A work package is a task at the lowest level of the WBS
Creating the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
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Figure 5-6. Intranet Gantt Chart Organized by Project Management Process Groups
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Using guidelines: some organizations, like the DOD, provide guidelines for preparing WBSs
The analogy approach: review WBSs of similar projects and tailor to your project
The top-down approach: start with the largest items of the project and break them down
The bottom-up approach: start with the specific tasks and roll them up
Approaches to Developing WBSs
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Information Technology Project Management, Fifth Edition, Copyright 2007
The Project Management Institute
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is an international professional society for project managers founded in 1969
PMI has continued to attract and retain members, reporting 225,432 members worldwide by 12/31/06
There are specific interest groups in many areas like engineering, financial services, health care, IT, etc.
Project management research and certification programs continue to grow
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