Software Project Management For Dummies®

Chapter 1. Examining the Big Picture of Project Management

In This Chapter

• Defining what a software project is

• Examining project management attributes

• Starting and finishing a software project

• Dealing with software project nuances

• Leading and managing project teams

Here's a tough decision for you: Manage a project to create a new piece of software that can make or break your entire organization, or jump from an airplane with a parachute that may — or may not — function. For some project managers the decision is the same either way.

But not for you. At least you're on the right track to capture, improve, and successfully lead your projects to completion.

The adrenaline rush in skydiving (and in project management) may not be at the same level, but the butterflies in your stomach definitely are. There's really one secret to skydiving and it's the same secret to successful project management. (No, it's not “don't do it.”) The key to successful software project management and skydiving is preparation.

Many projects fail at the beginning rather than the end. After you do the prep work, you must execute your plan, take control of your project, and ultimately bring it to its natural (and successful) conclusion.

Defining Software Projects

Software project management is a type of project management that focuses specifically on creating or updating software. Just as there are billions of ice cream flavors, there are billions of types of software. Project managers, effective ones, can lick them both. ...