Unit 1 | SPM Notes | AKTU Notes

Project Evaluation and Project Planning

- Project Evaluation is the process of analyzing whether a project is feasible, beneficial, and worth pursuing. It includes checking technical, financial, and operational feasibility.

- Project Planning involves making a step-by-step plan for how the project will be completed, including tasks, timelines, resources, and risks.

Importance of Software Project Management

Software projects can be complex, requiring proper management to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Software Project Management (SPM) helps in:

• Avoiding project failures
  
  
• Managing time, cost, and resources effectively
  
  
• Ensuring customer satisfaction
  
  
• Reducing risks
  
  
• Improving team coordination

Activities in Software Project Management

Software Project Management includes several activities such as:

• Project Planning – Creating a roadmap for the project.
  
  
• Resource Allocation – Assigning the right people and tools.
  
  
• Risk Management – Identifying and reducing potential risks.
  
  
• Budgeting – Managing costs effectively.
  
  
• Monitoring & Controlling – Tracking progress and making changes as needed.

Methodologies in Software Project Management

Different methodologies are used to manage software projects efficiently. Some common ones are:

• Waterfall Model – A step-by-step process where each phase is completed before the next starts.
  
  
• Agile Methodology – A flexible approach where development happens in small parts and feedback is taken frequently.
  
  
• Scrum – A popular Agile framework where work is divided into short cycles called sprints.
  
  
• DevOps – A modern approach that integrates development and operations teams to improve efficiency.

Categorization of Software Projects

Software projects can be categorized based on different factors:

• Based on Size – Small, Medium, or Large-scale projects.
  
  
• Based on Complexity – Simple, Medium, or Complex projects.
  
  
• Based on Application – Web applications, Mobile applications, Embedded systems, etc.
  
  
• Based on Development Approach – Agile, Waterfall, Incremental, etc.

Setting Objectives

Every project needs clear goals or objectives. These objectives should be SMART:

• Specific – Clearly defined goals.
  
• Measurable – Progress can be tracked.
• Achievable – Realistic goals.
• Relevant – Goals should match project needs.
• Time-bound – Should have a deadline.

Example: "Develop an e-commerce website within 6 months with payment integration and user authentication."

Management Principles

Management principles help in making good decisions and leading a project efficiently. Some key principles are:

• Planning before execution – Always have a strategy.
  
  
• Clear communication – Keep all team members informed.
  
  
• Task delegation – Assign tasks based on skills.
  
  
• Monitoring progress – Track work regularly.
  
  
• Continuous improvement – Learn from past mistakes.

Management Control

Management control means keeping track of project progress and making sure everything is on the right path. This includes:

- Checking if work is done on time.

- Ensuring the project stays within budget.

- Reviewing risks and fixing issues.

- Adjusting plans when needed.

Example: If coding takes longer than expected, the timeline may need to be adjusted.

Project Portfolio Management (PPM)

PPM is about managing multiple projects at the same time. It helps in:

- Prioritizing important projects.

- Allocating resources efficiently.

- Reducing conflicts between projects.

Example: A company may work on an e-commerce website, a mobile app, and a software tool simultaneously. PPM ensures all projects are managed properly.

Cost-benefit Evaluation Technology

Before starting a project, companies compare the costs and benefits to check if the project is worth doing.

- Cost includes salaries, software tools, hardware, etc.

- Benefits include profits, better efficiency, customer satisfaction, etc.

If the benefits outweigh the costs, the project is considered profitable.

Example: If developing an app costs ₹50,000 but generates ₹2,00,000 in revenue, it's a profitable project.

Risk Evaluation

Every project has risks, like:

• Technical Risks – New technology may fail.
  
  
• Financial Risks – The project may go over budget.
  
  
• Schedule Risks – Delays in development.
  
  
• Operational Risks – Poor team coordination.

Risk evaluation involves identifying these risks early and finding ways to minimize them.

Example: Using backup servers in case the main server fails.

Strategic Program Management

This is about long-term planning for multiple projects that help a company grow. It focuses on:

• Aligning projects with business goals.
  
  
• Managing resources across multiple projects.
  
  
• Ensuring projects deliver value to the company.

Example: Google invests in AI projects, cloud computing, and Android development—all aligned with its long-term strategy.

Stepwise Project Planning

This is a structured way of planning a software project. It includes:

1. Understanding project requirements – What needs to be developed?

2. Feasibility study – Checking if the project is possible.

3. Planning resources – Assigning the right people and tools.

4. Defining the timeline – Estimating how long each task will take.

5. Identifying risks – Finding possible problems.

6. Executing the plan – Starting development.

7. Monitoring progress – Tracking work regularly.

8. Project completion and evaluation – Delivering the final product and checking results.

Example: Developing a hospital management system by first gathering requirements, planning resources, coding, testing, and finally launching it.