How project management methods can improve software |
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| 08 Jun 2007 | SearchSoftwareQuality.com |
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 Software project management takes knowledge, patience, skill and a lot of courage. The articles, tips, definitions and expert advice in this learning guide have been carefully selected to meet the unique needs of software project managers. They won't make you more courageous by themselves, but the insight gained from these links might make project management seem a lot less daunting.
If you know of an article, tip, book or blog that should be included, send me an e-mail with the information and I'll add it. – Jennette Mullaney, assistant editor.
 Software project management basics | |
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| Agile project management | |
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Agile software development is so hot right now, it only makes sense that project managers would start applying agile ideas to their management style.
Many of the articles in this section describe agile software project management as a panacea to the current creativity-stifling, boring style of management. Read on and see if you start to feel the same way.
| Six Sigma | |
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The elegantly named Six Sigma® methodology has its roots in manufacturing, not software development. Though it has been adapted for use in software engineering, its appropriateness to this industry and its effectiveness have many times been called into question. (Six Sigma has even been the inspiration for a Dilbert cartoon.) However, this methodology has its proponents as well -- and not just Jack Welch. The links below provide pro, con and neutral perspectives.
- This is a comprehensive definition of Six Sigma
- In the opinion piece Six Sigma not necessarily beneficial to software development, V. Viswanathan contends that the project management method works may work in manufacturing but is unsuited to software development.
- Software project management meets Six Sigma: Bottom-up project duration and variation prediction is an introductory article from the iSixSigma Software/IT site. Readers should also check out the second article in this 2 part series, Top down project effort, duration and defect prediction.
- Six Sigma meets software development is a short but link-rich article on how Six Sigma dovetails with software development.
- Six Sigma -- it's not just for manufacturers anymore
offers an overview of Six Sigma from a CIO's perspective.
- Six Sigma and agile software development
is a thorough, skeptical examination of Six Sigma as it relates to agile (and other forms of) software development. It should be noted, though, that the main source for information on Six Sigma is Wikipedia. However, the author is diligent and fair, questioning both the scientific validity of Six Sigma and the relevance of that validity to agile software development.
- Essentials of Lean Six Sigma -- Chapters 1 and 4, Introduction and Improvement
, available free to SearchSoftwareQuality.com members, provide information about combining lean production with the Six Sigma methodology.
- Using Six Sigma methodology for software development project management. Hardly scientific, but this short article does objectively present one person's specific experience.
- The relationship between project management and Six Sigma (PDF) is clearly presented in this short, spare series of slides. Bare bones, but suitable for a concise introduction.
- For those interested in taking a course on Six Sigma Software Project Management, this one is Software Engineering Institute (SEI) authorized.
| Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) | |
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CMMI was developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) as a process improvement methodology. It evolved from SEI's CMM.
- Here is a definition of Capability Maturity Model (CMM) that includes descriptions of the five maturity levels.
- CMMI definition and summary provides a concise history on the transition from CMM to CMMI.
- CMM vs. CMMI: From conventional to modern software management offers a more expansive view of the transition from CMM to CMMI.
- Jumpstart CMM/CMMI Software Process Improvements: Using IEEE Software Engineering Standards -- Chapter 1: This free book excerpt is a perfect for software project managers who are new to CMM, CMMI and IEEE software standards.
- CMMI: Guidelines for Process Integration and Product Improvement, Second Edition -- Chapter 1, About CMMI for Development is free to SearchSoftwareQuality.com members. The chapter introduces the concept of CMMI and its two representations, staged and continuous.
- A CMMI case study: Process engineering vs. culture and leadership is an interesting look at what challenges emerge when a medium-sized (400 employees) business takes on the CMMI methodology. This article advises readers on what steps they should take when implementing such a process.
- CMMI myths and realities seeks to debunk ideas about the methodology, that it's too big and only suited to large corporations. In this effort, the article does a good job. However, readers should keep in mind that articles from SEI are going to be supportive of the methodology.
- CMMI models, modules and reports is a resource for documents, release notes and more about various CMMI incarnations.
- CMMI-5 case study about quality and project management this example includes a few more details about moving through the five maturity levels of CMMI.
- CMMI level 2 within six months? No way! (PDF) Yes way, according to this article.
| CMMI and Six Sigma | |
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Even those who don't embrace either methodology might be interested in the integration off CMMI and Six Sigma. This integration, some believe, is more powerful than either methodology alone.
- Balancing Six Sigma and the Capability Maturity Model compares the methodologies and goes through each step of the CMMI to determine whether integration is useful at a particular level.
- Connecting Six Sigma to CMMI measurement and analysis is an excellent article describing the interrelationships between these two methodologies and the ways they can complement each other.
- Integrating CMMI and Six Sigma in software and systems engineering (PDF) Disclaimer: This is in a tiresome PowerPoint format and there are company plugs scattered throughout. Other than that, this is a comprehensive (there are 155 slides) guide to combining the methodologies, and the charts and illustrations provide useful clarification.
- After lengthy overviews of CMMI and Six Sigma, this article -- Relationship between CMMI and Six Sigma -- provides a number of great tactics for integration.
- CMMI and Six Sigma synergy (PDF) is, unfortunately, in annoying PowerPoint format. However, the information is solid and those interested will profit from it.
- Comparing lean Six Sigma to the Capability Maturity Model: Note that this article is concerned with lean Six Sigma, itself a combination of methods. Also, the comparison is with CMM, not CMMI. Nevertheless, the information is sound and readers may extrapolate what they wish.
- Connecting software industry standards and best practices: Lean Six Sigma and CMMI: Again, it's lean Six Sigma but this informative, chart-filled article is an handy resource for those wishing to connect these two methodologies.
| Team building and leadership | |
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Project managers can look forward to all sorts of adventures in team interaction. Prepare yourself with these links.
| Other useful resources | |
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Send in your suggestions
Are there other topics you'd like to see learning guides on? Send assistant editor Jennette Mullaney an e-mail at jmullaney@techtarget.com and let her know what they are.
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Expert advice on software project management
