Software Development Management

Successful management of software projects is a vital ingredient for overall success. This course gives a thorough grounding in software development management, and features the skills needed to manage innovative technologies and techniques.

Frequency

This subject has been discontinued; no further courses are planned.

Objectives

At the end of the course the student will be able to assess a software development situation and choose an appropriate management strategy. They will be able to justify the introduction of innovative methods, and take a lead in the management of their use.

Contents

Review:

industrial software production; management problems; established methodologies.

Risk analysis:

risk analysis and assessment; case studies.

Software project management:

project environment; project life cycle; business processes; project planning and execution; organisations; the project manager's roles, relationships, and activities.

Quality and productivity:

measurement and improvement.

Managing people:

environmental factors; teams - development, behaviour, empowerment; communication; leadership; creativity.

Innovation:

the impact of new methods; case studies presented by guest speakers from industry.

Group exercise:

analysis and estimates; identification of possible solutions; selection and justification of choice; management presentation.

Requirements

Experience of working in a software development environment is desirable but not essential.