Ori Wolman owolman@cs.washington.edu
Lecture: Thursday 4:30 – 5:20 PM PST CSE2 G01
Office Hours: by appointment
Required Textbook - Project Management Case Studies (6e 22) Kerzner. ISBN 9781119821991 (available for free, access through UW libraries)
Course Description
Software developers often ask what the role or the project manager is or why is a project manager crucial for the success of a project. During this seminar we will cover all the main aspects of the software project manager role, the essential tools and processes and multiple project management methodologies.
The seminar will consist of weekly discussions, real-world scenarios and hands-on learning activities that will help us understand the project management processes more clearly. Participants will be asked to spend approximately 1 hour a week preparing for class, reading through case studies, and performing hands-on activities.
The seminar is built around the following foundational goals:
Tailored for Developers: We understand the unique challenges faced by software developers. Our seminar focuses on project management principles specifically relevant to software projects, ensuring you gain practical knowledge that directly impacts your work.
Hands-On Learning: Dive into real-world scenarios, case studies, and interactive exercises. Learn by doing and applying project management techniques directly to your software projects.
Comprehensive Curriculum:
Planning: Establish project objectives, define project scope, and create a project charter. Accurately estimate schedules and costs.
Resourcing: Assemble the project team, assign roles, and leverage individual skills effectively.
Tracking: Monitor progress, manage risks, and adapt to changing requirements.
Best Tools and Practices: Learn to use industry-standard project management tools, understand how these tools enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and keep your projects on track.
Grading
This seminar is graded on a credit/no-credit basis. While there are no homework assignments, active participation and attendance in all discussions are mandatory. Additionally, you are expected to complete the assigned reading before each session.
To account for unforeseen circumstances such as time conflicts or illness, one absence will be excused during the quarter. Therefore, to receive credit for this seminar, you must be present and actively engaged in at least 9 of the 10 scheduled sessions.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these expectations, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
January 9th (Week 1)
Topic - Introduction to project management – or why should I care about project management
Understanding project management fundamentals
Role\importance of project managers in software development project
Case study for next week (1/16) - The Berlin Brandenburg Airport (Pages 475-487)
January 16th (Week 2)
Topic - Project definition
Defining project scope and objectives
Case study for next week (1/23) - Zane Corporation (Pages 27- 30)
January 23rd (Week 3)
Topic -Lifecycles\Methodologies
Overview of project life cycle
Case study for next week (1/30) - Kemko Manufacturing (Pages 198- 201)
January 30th (Week 4)
Topic - Scope Definition and Requirements Gathering
Eliciting and documenting software requirements
Prioritizing features and functionalities
Case study for next week (2/6) - Cory Electric (Pages 158- 161)
February 6th, 13th (Week 5 & 6)
Topic - Planning & Estimation
Creating a project schedule using Gantt charts or other tools
Tracking progress and adjusting schedules
Case study for next week (2/13) - The scheduling dilemma (Pages 212- 216)
February 20th (Week 7)
Topic - Scheduling
Techniques for estimating project effort and duration
Case study for next week (2/27) - Luxor Technologies (Pages 412- 415)
February 27th (Week 8)
Topic - Risk management
Identifying project risks
Risk assessment and prioritization.
Developing risk response strategies
Case study for next week (3/6) - Agile (A): Understanding implementation Risks (Pages 761- 769)
March 6th (Week 9)
Topic - Agile
Introduction to Agile methodologies
Case study for next week (3/13) - LXT International (Pages 549 - 553)
March 13th (Week 10)
Topic - Quality & Project success
Quality in SW projects.
How to increase the success rate of your projects