Software Process and Management (CMSE473)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of software project management, blending practical and theoretical approaches within the context of software development. It covers fundamental principles and strategies for initiating, planning, executing, and closing software projects, with a strong emphasis on software process management. Students will acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to effectively launch projects, mitigate development risks, and achieve successful project completion. The course delves into continuous improvement activities and methodologies, including Continuous Improvement Methods (CIM), Six Sigma, and Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). It also discusses project cost estimation using tools like COCOMO and project time management techniques such as the Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM). Project initiation strategies include stakeholder analysis, project charter creation, and project selection processes in corporate firms. Planning and project management topics encompass the development of detailed project plan documents, scope management, creating work breakdown structures, and using Gantt charts for tracking progress. Additionally, risk management approaches, such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and decision tree analysis, are examined. The use of various project management tools such as process mapping, brainstorming, TMAP, SWOT analysis, the 5 Whys technique, SIPOC analysis, Kano analysis, cause-and-effect diagrams, statistical process control analysis, and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is addressed through both theoretical and practical studies.