(Podcast) IT Project Management

Episode 5 emphasises that software projects are different from other projects. There are several techniques commonly used to estimate software development effort more accurately. Towards the end, we will focus in detail on the constructive cost model (COCOMO) and the Function Point (FP) analyses. Some other tips will also be covered briefly.

Episode 6 discusses how the process of risk management and project management includes attention on risks and quality. This topic also includes risk identification and quantification to ensure nothing significant is overlooked. Towards the end, this topic covers the disaster recovery plan, project quality management, ISO certification and capability maturity model.

Episode 10 covers the final stage of the project life cycle, the termination phase. This episode discusses what needs to be done in order to terminate and to close the project. It covers the reasons for terminating the project, and the possible reasons for project failure.

Episode 1 defines project and project management. It provides several examples of projects in general as well as those of IT. In this topic, you will learn the purpose of preparing a project proposal and how to prepare a one. Finally, the topic ends with the project life cycle, the project methodology and the software life-cycle model.

Episode 2 emphasises that IT projects are capital investments that need some kinds of cost recovery following their expenses. There are different project selection models and this topic will discuss the different criteria in making a choice out of those models. The two important project selection models will be discussed in greater detail.

Episode 3 is about project initiation which is the first phase of the project life cycle. It starts with producing a project charter. It includes defining the scope and objectives of the project together with the preparation of an outline plan. This episode also has a discussion on the definition of success. The topic finally ends with project launching which motivates the project team and reminds the members that the project has officially started.

Episode 4 introduces important steps and issues in planning for an IT project. This is the second phase of the project life cycle. It describes what constitutes the scope, objectives and requirement specifications of a project. This topic also describes the meaning, the design and uses of the work breakdown structure. Finally, this topic ends with planning to set the milestones, plus an idea on how to handle software prototypes.

Episode 7 discusses three major activities in the execution phase of the project life cycle. The first activity is scheduling to produce a timetable for the plan. The second major activity is monitoring of project activities, while the third one is to control the activities. Estimating the value of the work done in a project is called "Earned Value" analysis. Finally, this episode ends with a very brief introduction to the Microsoft Project as a software tool for project management.

Episode 8 discusses project resources. Project resources can be any item, person, or team that is needed to run a project. This episode emphasises more on the people and the team organisation that move the project from beginning until the end. This episode also discusses the most appropriate ways to organise project teams based on various situations.

Episode 9 discusses suppliers and contractors in general. This episode discusses related issues including a detailed coverage on many types of contract that can take place in IT project situations. Besides that, this episode looks into the process of developing a request for proposal (RFP) document and the terms of a contract.