What is Software Management?

Definition:
Software management can be defined as the discipline of
applying project management principles to the creation of
software. In simpler terms, it's the art and science of planning,
leading, and overseeing the development of software
applications.
Goals:
Software management juggles multiple goals, aiming to deliver
high-quality software while keeping various stakeholders satisfied.
Here are some key objectives:
• Delivering on Time and Budget
• Meeting Requirements
• High-Quality Software
• Customer Satisfaction
• Team Productivity and Morale
 Software Project Management Traditional Project Management

1. Software development is known for its 1. Step-by-step approach often called a

dynamic nature. waterfall model.
2. More adaptable and flexible. 2. Less adaptable and flexible.
3. Agile methodologies allow for course 3. Once the plan is set, significant changes
correction and integration of new can be disruptive and costly.
requirements throughout the 4. Customer involvement is typically lower
development cycle.
5. Relies heavily on detailed
4. Agile methodologies emphasize
documentation created at the beginning
ongoing customer collaboration.
of the project.
5. While documentation is still important,
6. TPM is well-suited for projects with
agile methods prioritize working
clear requirements and minimal
software over extensive upfront
unknowns.
documentation.
6. SPM is ideal for projects with evolving
requirements and a need for flexibility.
 Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Stages of the SDLC;
Planning: This is the initial stage of the project. We figure out what the
software needs to do, how users will interact with it, and how long it will take to
build.
Development: This is the second stage of the project. Here's where the coding
phase occur! They translate the plans into the actual software, line by line.
Testing: This is the third stage of the project. We test the software to find any
bugs or glitches. This ensures everything works smoothly before users get their
hands on it.
Deployment: This is the fourth and last stage of the project. The software is
finally ready for users. We deploy it to the right environment (think cloud or
personal computer) and provide user guides.
Popular SDLC Methodologies;
There are two main ways to approach building software, like
Waterfall and Agile model.
 Waterfall: The Step-by-step
Process:
• Each stage (planning,
development, testing, etc.)
happens in order, one after the
other. You can't go back and
change things easily.
• Waterfall is good for projects
with clear requirements from the
start.
Agile: The Flexible Process:

• Agile breaks the project into

smaller parts and works on them
in cycles. After each cycle, you can
review and make changes based
on feedback.
• Agile is good for projects where
the requirements might change
along the way.
 Here's a table to summarize the key differences:

Feature Waterfall Agile

: Approach Step-by-step, rigid Flexible, adaptable

Requirements Set upfront Can evolve throughout

the project
Changes Difficult to make after a Easier to make in each
stage starts cycle
Good for Clear, well-defined Projects with evolving
projects requirements
 Key Activities in Software Management
Here are the key activities you would tackle:
1. Planning and Scheduling: This is where you map out the project, figuring
out what needs to be done, how long it will take, and in what order. You
break down the project into smaller tasks and estimate how long each will
take.
2. Resource Allocation: You need a skilled workers (developers, designers)
and the right tools (software, computers) to build the app. This involves
assigning the right people to tasks based on their skills and making sure
everyone has the equipment they need.
3. Risk Management: Here, you identify potential problems (bugs, delays)
and come up with backup plans to keep things moving smoothly.
4. Team Management and Communication: You need to keep your team
members informed about the project, address any issues they have, and
create a positive work environment. This is like holding regular meetings
with your employees to discuss progress and ensure everyone is on the
same page.
5. Quality Assurance and Testing: This involves testing the app thoroughly
to find and fix any bugs, just like checking your map for any mistakes before
you start your project!
 Software Project Management Tools
Features to consider;
Planning & Organizing: They help you create a clear plan for your software
project. You can break down tasks, set deadlines, and visualize the overall
project.
Task Management: Assign tasks to the developers & designers, and keep
track of their progress, ensuring everyone knows their role and stays on
schedule.
Communication & Collaboration: The tools help your team communicate
effectively, to document progress and share updates with everyone involved.
Bug Tracking: These tools help find and fix errors (bugs) in the software
before it launches.
File Sharing: Collaborate and share files easily with your team. Imagine
everyone having access to the latest version of your project!
Trello, Asana, and Jira are all popular software project
management tools, but they each have their own strengths and
are suited to different situations. Here's a breakdown for easy
understanding:

Trello: Imagine a giant bulletin board with sticky notes. Trello uses boards,
lists, and cards to organize tasks. It's visual, simple, and good for small
teams or projects with clear goals.
Asana: Think of Asana as a more advanced to-do list app. It allows you to
create tasks, assign them to team members, set deadlines, and track
progress. It is flexible and good for various project sizes and complexities.
Jira: This tool is like a heavy-duty toolbox for software development
projects. It has powerful features for tracking bugs, managing sprints
(short development cycles), and reporting. Jira is ideal for complex
projects with large teams and requires some technical knowledge to
use effectively.