Software Management

Software management is concerned with knowledge about the planning, organization, and monitoring of all software life-cycle phases. Management is critical to ensure that software development projects are appropriate to an organization, work in different organizational units is coordinated, software versions and configurations are maintained, resources are available when necessary, project work is divided appropriately, communication is facilitated, and progress is accurately charted. This module focuses on methods, techniques, processes and CASE tools needed for software management using current best practices. Topics include life cycle software models highlighting the differences between agile and traditional methods, software project management from planning, estimation, scheduling to project monitoring, team communication and process improvement through various measurements. Fundamental concepts and techniques in software engineering economics are also introduced. Students will learn about various decision analysis techniques under resource-limited situations and be able to use the relevant technique to solve the most critical decision making problem in a software project which is cost estimation. The module also covers configuration management which is an essential activity that benefits project management, development and many other areas in the software development life cycle. Students will develop a management plan for a software project.