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Important Definitions...
Lecture 1 – Introduction & Fundamentals
⭐ Management
The process of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, monitoring, controlling, innovating, and
representing to achieve goals effectively.
⭐ Project Management
The art of maximizing the chance of achieving project goals on time, within budget, and at the
required quality using structured processes.
⭐ Software Project Management
It involves planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling software projects to deliver value
efficiently and predictably.
⭐ Project
A project is a non-repetitive, temporary activity with a defined start and end, aimed at producing a
unique product or result.
⭐ Progressive Elaboration
A planning approach where details of the project are continuously refined as more information
becomes available.
⭐ Project Life Cycle
It includes phases such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, and closure for
structured project delivery.
⭐ Program Management
Managing a group of related projects in a coordinated way to gain benefits not achievable when
managed individually.
⭐ Management by Projects
An approach where ongoing operations are treated as projects to apply project management
techniques for better efficiency.
⭐ Stakeholder
Any individual or organization affected by the project’s outcomes or involved in its execution.
⭐ Project Complexity
Projects can range from simple tasks to large, complex initiatives involving diverse teams, tools, and
processes.
⚫ Lecture 2 – Introduction & Fundamentals
⭐ Goals of Project Management
Achieving defined objectives by efficiently managing resources such as time, money, and manpower.
⭐ Project Characteristics
Projects are temporary, unique, goal-oriented, time-bound, and progressively elaborated.
⭐ Temporary Nature
Projects have a fixed start and end point, making them different from ongoing operations.
⭐ Unique Deliverables
Each project produces a distinct product, service, or result that hasn't been created the same way
before.
⭐ Defined Purpose
Projects are initiated to achieve specific outcomes or fulfill a particular purpose.
⭐ Limited Time Scale
Projects must adhere to strict timelines to avoid overruns in cost and resources.
⭐ Four P’s of Project Management
People, Product, Process, and Project are the critical dimensions for software project success.
⭐ People Factor
Effective teamwork and skilled individuals are key to successful software projects.
⭐ Team Leader
A person responsible for organizing, guiding, and motivating the project team for successful delivery.
⭐ Process in Projects
A set of structured activities and tasks that ensure consistency and quality in software development.
⚫ Lecture 3 – Introduction & Fundamentals
⭐ Product and Technology
Product size and complexity influence the project’s scope, time, and resource needs.
⭐ Pareto Principle
80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes, helping managers prioritize tasks.
⭐ Project Size
Larger products require more features and time, affecting project duration and complexity.
⭐ Project Characteristics
Understanding project characteristics helps in better planning and execution.
⭐ Customer Value
Deliverables must provide measurable value to the end-user or customer.
⭐ Resource Efficiency
Optimal use of resources improves project delivery and reduces waste.
⭐ Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A decomposition of the project into smaller, manageable tasks.
⭐ Milestones
Key points or events in a project used to measure progress.
⭐ Time vs. Value Trade-off
Projects must balance time investment with the value delivered.
⭐ Technology Tools
Tools support planning, scheduling, tracking, and improving project efficiency.
