Software Project Management in Practice - Softcover

Peter Gordon; Jalote, Pankaj

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0201737213 ISBN 13: 9780201737219

Publisher: Addison-Wesley, 2002

Synopsis

Delivering high-quality software on time and on budget: it can be done. Pankaj Jalote introduces a set of practices and principles that have been used to successfully execute hundreds of projects -- of all types and sizes. Software Project Management in Practice presents the complete set of processes employed -- and proven effective -- at one of the world's most successful software organizations, Infosys Technologies. These processes, grounded in common sense and supported by simple metrics, can systematically improve the planning and execution of any software project. Since these processes satisfy the requirements of CMM Level 5 -- the industry's most challenging software process standard -- this book's examples illuminate project management as performed by a highly mature development organization. For all project managers and software professionals who may be called upon to manage projects.

About this title

Review

Aimed at developers and IT managers alike, Software Project Management in Practice offers an invaluable guide to using lightweight software process in real projects. Filled with sample documents, this book can benefit any organisation seeking to improve the ways it manages software.

In an era of ever-tighter schedules, implementing a serious software process becomes ever more difficult. This book ventures a simple argument: that the techniques for software process management used by InfoSys (a company with a "mature" software process) can be applied to other organisations. Packed with sample documents drawn from real projects, this book is also notable for its clear presentation and lack of theoretical and jargon-laden prose used in many software engineering texts.

The author first looks at how to assess a company's software process using the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and other schemes. Surprisingly, the tools at InfoSys (which earns high CMM marks) are not fancy case tools, but databases, spreadsheets and Microsoft Project files. Its software process database, for example, allows new projects to reuse existing documents and expertise. After an overview of the modified waterfall model software process used at Infosys, the author looks at techniques for estimating the size and scope of projects. Then it's on to quality planning. A consistent theme here is one that suggests that metrics and statistical process control (SPC) should be used to track defects. The book then covers risk assessment and the structure of teams. A standout section here on configuration management outlines the role for preserving builds and project documents at each stage of the game.

Later sections examine the actual implementation and deployment of software. The author's argument for peer review of code is a strong one. He details strategies for running design and code reviews (if even by a single person) to catch defects and improper designs, as well as tips for overcoming resistance to such practices.

Sample defect tracking and status for projects also gets its due. Sample documents (using spreadsheets and even the layout of disk directories) to store project information show that an even a simple approach can yield productive results. The author then shows how to analyse the patterns of defects in software, including how to use statistical techniques to spot out-of-control projects. The book closes with the ways in which a project post-mortem (or project closure analysis) can be used to spot what went wrong and to improve things the next time around.

For both those new to software process or for those who want to see some practical ideas for successful process in a fast-paced world, this concisely packaged title fills a valuable niche with its mix of current thinking on software process and excellent real-world examples. --Richard Dragan

From the Back Cover

We often hear about software projects that are late, over budget, or unable to satisfy customer needs. Yet some organizations are able to manage project after project successfully with desired results. In this book, Pankaj Jalote looks at one such organization, Infosys Technologies, a highly regarded high-maturity organization, and details the processes it has in place to manage projects. Revealing exactly how Infosys operates, Jalote provides an excellent case study to guide project managers everywhere. The specific Infosys practices described reflect sound management principles and practices. They are also grounded in common sense, and can be incorporated into any organization’s software development operation easily.

With an actual software project from Infosys used as a running example, the author explains the key aspects of successful project management–from process planning through project monitoring and closure. The practices discussed are also compatible with the widely adopted Capability Maturity Model® (CMM®). In the end, readers will gain a practical framework for systematically improving the planning and execution of any software project.

In-depth coverage of the Infosys software project management process includes:

Requirement change management

Process planning, tailoring, monitoring, and auditing

Effort estimation and scheduling

Quantitative quality management

Risk assessment and control

Measurement and tracking planning

Project team planning

Customer communication

Configuration management

Reviews

Project tracking and closure analysis

Milestone analysis

Activity level analysis using SPC

Defect prevention

The process database

Many guidelines exist for achieving higher software process maturity. This book shows you how by example.

0201737213B01182002

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison-Wesley
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0201737213
• ISBN 13: 9780201737219
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280