Management of Software Development (Overview)

MSD Core Guide

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 1

Objectives
To understand:

definition of a project and project management why projects fail Whats so special about Software projects

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 2

Process vs Project
Attribute
Environment: Activity: Resource driver: Degree of change: Planning horizon: Resource assessment: Degree of complexity: Degree of risk: Staff to management

Process
Production-oriented oriented Continuous/unending Volume Low Near term (day by day) Infrequent Low (Routine) Lower Higher Ratios

Project
DevelopmentLifecycle Unique tasks Task High Longer term (goal driven) Frequent High Higher (more uncertainty) Lower 15:1 or 5-6:1

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 3

Project management definitions

A project: - Is discrete - Has a defined start and end point - Has a specified end product - Is unique, either in its end product or its environment Project management is to produce people and facilities to produce managing the end product: - On time - Within budget or financial constraints - According to specification - At a quality level that serves the businesses needs and meets both professional standards and managements expectations
MSD S01 Overview.ppt 4

Why do projects fail? or what makes a successful project?

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 5

Definition of a Runaway
A project which has:

failed significantly to achieve its objectives, and/or exceeded its budget by at least 30% Why do Projects Fail ?
Unfamiliarity with scope and complexity: 17% Other: 12%

Lack of communication: 21% Unclear objectives: 18%

Inadequate Project Management: 32%

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 6

Causes of Runaway
Poor performance by suppliers of hardware/software Insufficient senior business staff on the team Inadequate project management Technology new to the organisation Bad planning and estimating Project objectives not fully specified
0

KPMG Survey

10

20

30

40

50

60

% of respondents
MSD S01 Overview.ppt 7

Prevention of Runaways
Improved project management Feasibility study More user involvement

More external advice

None of the above
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
%

Respondents

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 8

Project Control - the Impact

Formal Estimation, Costing, Scheduling In Place Neglected
Cancelled 5% Late 15% Cancelled 35% On Time 25%

On Time 80%

Late 40%
MSD S01 Overview.ppt 9

Doing the Project is not Managing the Project!

Managers requirements

Project Management
Requirements Resources Project Deliverables Other Outputs

Randomness

Project Activities

.....and managing it is not doing it!

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 10

Management Focus vs Activity Focus

Management Domain
Risks Costs Benefits Scope Schedules Objectives Priorities Strategy Assumptions Quality Estimates Resources Interdependencies

Activity Domain
Functionality Specifications Design Documentation Testing Training

Facilitation

Impacts
MSD S01 Overview.ppt 11

Unique attributes of Software projects

Deliverables may be less tangible and less familiar than in other types of projects Scope may be difficult to control The project team often has diverse skills, experience, attitudes and expectations The project may be critical for achieving business goals The project may be combined with significant organisational changes Concrete requirements, scope and benefits may be difficult to define Rapid technological change may cause the projects foundation to become obsolete

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 12

Software Project Management Approach

Management of ALL the elements of the project

- planning and control - risk and quality - people

Management focused on the business outcomes of the project

Management based on communication of real information about issues and status - fact based

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 13

MSD Structure
Managing Project Staff Subcontractor Management

Managing Organizational Change

Project Definition

Project Plan

Project Management and Control

Project Close

Quality Management Risk Management Change Control and Issue Management Configuration Management

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 14

Ten golden rules

Successful project management is all about people

- but dont forget the admin

Uncover the sources of support and resistance Appearances can be deceptive - watch the hidden agenda

Recognise that other people see things differently

- put yourself in their shoes

Design your plan for easy modification Treat each milestone as if it were the last Use admin to support project objectives The target time for a task is not the same as its budget Read project scope and objectives once per week No surprises!

MSD S01 Overview.ppt 15