1.

Explain the characteristics of Project and Justify that the software projects are different from
other projects

### Characteristics of a Project

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. Here are
some key characteristics of a project:

1. **Non-Routine Tasks**: Projects involve tasks that are not part of routine operations. They are
unique and require specific planning and execution.

2. **Planning Required**: Projects need careful planning to define objectives, resources, timelines,
and deliverables.

3. **Specific Objectives**: Each project has specific goals or objectives that need to be achieved.

4. **Predetermined Time Span**: Projects have a defined start and end date.

5. **Work for Someone Else**: Projects are usually undertaken for a client or stakeholder.

6. **Involves Several Specialisms**: Projects often require the collaboration of various specialists.

7. **Temporary Work Group**: A team is formed specifically for the project and disbanded once the
project is completed.

8. **Phased Work**: Projects are carried out in several phases, such as initiation, planning,
execution, and closure.

9. **Resource Constraints**: Projects have limited resources, including time, money, and personnel.

10. **Large or Complex**: Projects are often large or complex, requiring significant coordination and
management.

### Differences Between Software Projects and Other Projects

Software projects have unique characteristics that differentiate them from other types of projects.
Here are some key differences:

1. **Invisibility**: Unlike physical projects (e.g., construction), the progress of software projects is
not immediately visible. This makes it challenging to track progress and manage expectations.

2. **Complexity**: Software projects are inherently more complex per unit cost compared to other
engineered artifacts. This complexity arises from the intricate nature of software design and
development.

3. **Conformity**: Software developers must conform to the requirements of human clients, which
can be inconsistent and subject to change. This is different from traditional engineering projects that
deal with physical systems governed by consistent physical laws.

4. **Flexibility**: Software is highly flexible and can be easily changed. This flexibility, while a
strength, also means that software projects are subject to frequent changes and updates.
2. Summarize the typical sequence of Software development activities recommended in
international standard

The typical sequence of software development activities recommended in the international standard
ISO/IEC 12207 includes the following stages:

1. **Requirements Analysis**

- Gathering and defining what the potential users and their managers require from the new system.

- This includes functional requirements (what the system should do) and quality requirements (how
well the functions must work).

2. **Architecture Design**

- Identifying the components of the new system that fulfill each requirement.

- This involves both software and hardware components, as well as work processes.

3. **Detailed Design**

- Breaking down each software component into smaller units that can be separately coded and
tested.

4. **Code and Test**

- Writing code for each software unit and performing initial testing to debug individual units.

5. **Integration**

- Combining different software components and testing them together to ensure they meet the
overall requirements.

- This may also involve integrating the software with hardware platforms and user interactions.

6. **Qualification Testing**

- Thoroughly testing the entire system, including software components, to ensure all requirements
are fulfilled.

7. **Installation**

- Making the new system operational, which includes setting up data, configuring system
parameters, installing software on hardware platforms, and user training.

8. **Acceptance Support**

- Resolving any problems with the newly installed system, correcting errors, and implementing
agreed extensions and improvements.

- This stage often involves ongoing maintenance, which can be seen as a series of minor software
projects.
3. Outline the content of project charter document that authorizes the starting of project

A project charter is a crucial document that formally authorizes the start of a project. It outlines the
project's objectives, scope, stakeholders, and key deliverables. Here’s an outline of the typical
content of a project charter:

1. **Project Title**

- The official name of the project.

2. **Purpose**

- A brief statement explaining why the project is being undertaken and its intended benefits.

3. **Objectives**

- Specific goals that the project aims to achieve.

4. **Scope**

- A detailed description of what the project will deliver and any boundaries or limitations.

5. **Stakeholders**

- Identification of key stakeholders, including the project sponsor, project manager, team members,
and any other parties involved.

6. **Roles and Responsibilities**

- Clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder.

7. **Project Deliverables**

- A list of the main outputs or products that the project will produce.

8. **Timeline**

- An overview of the project schedule, including major milestones and deadlines.

9. **Budget**

- An estimate of the project's costs and financial resources required.

10. **Assumptions and Constraints**

- Any assumptions made during the planning of the project and constraints that could impact its
execution.

11. **Risks**

- Identification of potential risks and strategies for mitigating them.

12. **Approval**

- Signatures of the project sponsor and other key stakeholders to formally authorize the project.
4. With diagram explain the project control cycle

The **Project Control Cycle** is a crucial aspect of project management, ensuring that the project
stays on track and meets its objectives. It involves continuous monitoring and controlling of project
activities to address any deviations from the plan. Here’s an explanation of the Project Control Cycle
with a diagram:

### Project Control Cycle

1. **Planning**

- Establishing the project objectives, scope, schedule, and resources.

- Creating a detailed project plan that outlines the tasks, timelines, and responsibilities.

2. **Monitoring**

- Continuously tracking the progress of the project against the plan.

- Collecting data on project performance, such as task completion, resource usage, and budget
expenditure.

3. **Comparing**

- Comparing the actual performance data with the planned performance.

- Identifying any variances or deviations from the project plan.

4. **Taking Action**

- Implementing corrective actions to address any variances.

- Adjusting the project plan, resources, or schedule as needed to bring the project back on track.

5. **Reviewing**

- Reviewing the effectiveness of the corrective actions.

### Diagram

Here’s a simplified diagram of the Project Control Cycle:

```

| Planning |

| Monitoring|

| Comparing |

|Taking Action|

| Reviewing |

| Planning |

```
5.Summarize the product life cycle cash flow and illustrate behaviour with graph

The product life cycle describes the stages a product goes through from its introduction to the
market until its decline and eventual withdrawal. Each stage has different cash flow characteristics:

1. **Introduction Stage**

- **Cash Flow**: Negative

- **Reason**: High initial costs for product development, marketing, and distribution. Sales are low
as the product is new to the market.

- **Behavior**: Investment-heavy with little to no revenue.

2. **Growth Stage**

- **Cash Flow**: Positive and Increasing

- **Reason**: Sales begin to increase rapidly as the product gains market acceptance. Economies
of scale reduce costs, leading to higher profitability.

- **Behavior**: Revenue growth outpaces costs, leading to positive cash flow.

3. **Maturity Stage**

- **Cash Flow**: High and Stable

- **Reason**: Sales peak and stabilize. Market saturation occurs, and competition increases. Costs
are controlled, and the product generates significant profit.

- **Behavior**: Stable revenue and profit margins.

4. **Decline Stage**

- **Cash Flow**: Decreasing

- **Reason**: Sales decline due to market saturation, technological advancements, or changing

- **Behavior**: Declining revenue and profitability.

In this graph:

- The **Introduction** stage shows negative cash flow due to high initial costs.

- The **Growth** stage shows increasing positive cash flow as sales rise.

- The **Maturity** stage shows high and stable cash flow.

- The **Decline** stage shows decreasing cash flow as sales fall.