PMM1

• Project


  A temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result
• Project attributes


  • Achieves a specific objective
  • Normally unique and "novel"
  • Has a start and end date
  • Requires various resources
  • Can be deemed either successful or not
  • Is a coordinated venture
• Traditional projects vs software projects

  • The product is intangible
  • Every software project is essentially new
  • Possible rapid changes e.g. API updates
  • Internet-based projects have global considerations
  • Compliance e.g. software for a Boeing
  • Scalability – ready for growth
  • Obsolescence – software changes much faster than hardware or other sectors
• Success criteria (SMART)


  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Resource Constrained
  • Time-constrained
• Project Constraints


  • TIME
  • BUDGET
  • QUALITY
  • RESOURCES
  • SCOPE
• Scope


  Highlights the required functions and features and helps to distinguish what is and is not involved in the project. It also controls what is allowed or removed as it is executed.
• Time management


  A critical aspect of project management as it involves managing and utilizing time effectively to ensure that project tasks are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired level of quality
• Budget


  The financial aspect is one of the most important components of any project. How much money is the project initiator/client/sponsor willing to spend? How much extra will they spend in case something goes wrong? What exactly will the money be spent on? Will any flexibility be allowed?
• Resources


  Which resource is most important? While all resources are important, a common argument is that the people are most important since they can adjust their approach should any of the other resources become constrained.
• Quality


  There needs to be a lot of work done to ensure quality. Quality = a careful balance between cost, resources, and time. In general, high-quality work takes time and money and the project owner needs to specify how important quality is.
• Risk


  Any uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, could have a positive or negative impact on a project's objectives. Risk management involves identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and mitigating these risks to minimize their potential impact and increase the likelihood of project success.
• Project environment


  The local environment as well as the larger culture can have a significant impact on a project.
• Project planning


  Probably the most time-consuming project management activity. It is a continuous activity from initial concept through to system delivery. Plans must be regularly revised as new information becomes available.
• Project manager roles


  • Leader – organise team towards success
  • Liaison - link between client, project team and upper management
  • Mentor – provide guidance and advice
• Project manager skills


  • Effective communicator
  • Negotiation
  • Leadership
  • Able to manage risks
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
• Stakeholders


  • project sponsor
  • project team
  • support staff
  • Customers
  • Users
  • Suppliers
  • Opponents of the project
• Gold plating


  Doing unnecessary work beyond what has been agreed. It always brings with it additional risk and cost.
• Scope creep


  Stakeholders are almost always tempted to increase the project scope via the back door once the project gets underway. It is a major cause of project failure.
• Ways to define project success


  • The project met scope, time, and cost goals
  • The project satisfied the customer/sponsor
  • The results of the project met its main objective