Archive for June, 2010
June 28, 2010
The modern software development methodology is the base framework that is used to plan out and control the developing process of an informational system from a software engineer’s standpoint.
There are three standard types of software development methodology that have been in use since the computer age matured. These are Prototyping, Waterfall, and Spiral. They have been very successful when applied correctly. But like with all process, new ones emerge. The latest is Agile.
The Waterfall model was one of the first to be applied to the development of software. This was back when programs were small and not nearly as complex as they have evolved into today. The software development methodology for this is a linear process that starts with the requirements of a program. Then, the software is written and debugged. It is then implemented to check that it works properly and is verified. After that, only routine maintenance of the program is needed.
Prototyping software development methodology follows the same principles that many inventors have used for centuries. As the name suggest, they develop a prototype to see how it works. As each prototype is created, it is tested to see if and where the faults lie. When found, a new prototype is designed to eliminate this fault and then retested. This is done until the goal of the project is completed and a working model is achieved.
The Spiral software development methodology uses the same principals of the prototype, along with more design input before moving on to the next stage. This methodology has 4 stages which repeat themselves until the final goal is achieved. These stages are planning, analysis, evaluation, and development. This is a continuously developing process to refine the software until a program is developed that achieves the goals of the project.
The last and newest software development methodology is called Agile. This is a system that deploys the use of several teams that collaborate together. They are self-organizing and disciplined to achieve the final goal together. Because of all the input with the methodology, many inspections and adjustments by the project manager are needed to keep the goals of the end project on track.
When deciding on which software development methodology is right for your project or team, look at the complexity of the program and the abilities of the team. These two factors will help you to determine which methodology is right for your project.
June 24, 2010
The agile methodology was the result of the formulation of the Agile Manifesto in 2001. This methodology for developing a software program is the evolution of a solution that involves the collaboration of many teams that work together, based on an iterative development approach.
When the agile methodology approach is used, then the project manager must constantly be adapting to the needed changes that occur when an inspection of the product is undertaken. To achieve the best possible results, inspections must be frequent and thorough. The key ingredient the project manager must emphasize throughout the project is camaraderie within the team. This helps to build trust and their team’s ability to work effectively together.
The ability for team members to be self-organized and responsible enough to be accountable for their contributions is vital. The rapid development of good quality software from a group of engineers that follow the correct philosophy of this agile approach to work is how a company and their customers’ needs are met, in the shortest amount of time.
The agile methodology, which is fast developing and versatile, was developed from the waterfall model that was slow and cumbersome. By adapting to the needs of the industry for faster results with high quality, this agile approach was developed.
The process involved in the core of the agile methodology is the Agile Manifesto. This emphasizes the individual and their interaction over typical processes, and the tools that govern most developmental stages in the process of creating a software program. Other emphasized differences from the norm are working software over summary documentation with constructive input from customers encouraged.
The last factor that really makes the agile methodology work efficiently is the team members’ ability to constantly respond in the correct manner, and quickly adapt, to the changes that are occurring. Those individuals that only adhere to a preset plan of attack and cannot adapt to the changes will hinder the process.
This is the way the agile methodology can achieve its ultimate goal of producing a software package to the customer in a rapid timeframe that is beneficial to their business and develops a fast developing revenue stream for the company.
June 21, 2010
A business project management methodology will follow a well-structured and properly defined process so the business and its projects can be run in the most efficient manner possible. For this to be feasible, the proper framework must be determined so a structured environment can be established.
Some businesses like to use a complicated project management methodology that is somewhat confusing. With confusion come delays, problems, and issues which could lead to cost over runs and lost time.
The best approach for a project management methodology is to for it to be simple but thorough and complete. From the beginning, set the project’s life cycle in place so a documented plan can be followed and for all to see. The technologies that are to be used must be able to be incorporated into the project in a seamless fashion. The measuring of activities, along with risk management, scheduling, allocation of resources, and cost minimization all have to be included.
With each project management methodology, there must also be a leader. This is generally the project manager. They have to be a well-disciplined individual that adhere to the project plan but should also be experienced enough to know when a deviation is required and necessary. With most methodologies, a deviation is allowed within the scope of the SOP on the subject. This allows for any unseen variable that enters the process of the project to be addressed without bringing the project to a grinding halt.
When the right project management methodology is used, not only will the projects that utilize their process run smoother, but the upper management will take notice. This shows that the project manager knows how to properly use the resources they have at hand, and deploy them in the most cost and time effective manner possible.
This is why the project management methodology was developed, to help the project manager do their job in the most cost and time saving approach, if it is set up and followed correctly.
June 20, 2010
There are project management classes designed to educate you about project management methodologies. But there are couple of people who want to discover project management by themselves.
If you refuse to attend seminars about project management, you have to acquire first the basic references. There are online references and notable books written to guide you all throughout the project management.
It is not advisable to read your books from cover to cover because it will only create confusion rather than illumination. So it’s best to start from the basic and learn few things. All other aspects that you have to learn will come along the way.
Once you understand the basic of project management, then it’s time to move on to the next level. There are online project management classes which can give you a larger picture of project management. There you will learn how the teams work with the project managers and how they managed to accomplish the given task.
Your next step is to evaluate your current project management methodologies. This is the time to reflect on what could be your lapses as a project manager. Try to look also for the attributes of successful project managers.
Aside from studying the broad aspect of project management, it is of equal importance to know the values and principles a project manager should possess in order to deliver the project to your client.
The next thing you have to do is to find examples of project plans in order to have a full grasp of project management. It is not sufficient to read references of project management methodology. You should also be able to witness how the methodology works.
Study how the methodology was intelligently drafted to complete the project. It is better if you take time in tutorial version of project management to learn about project scheduling, resource lists, costs and a lot more.
When you’re done, then it’s time to plan your own project. There’s no better way to learn than to place yourself in managing your project. And as you manage your own work, always exert effort to research more about project management to continuously enrich yourself with new ideas and techniques.
June 19, 2010
Project Management Methodologies have two types: project methodology and development methodology. Although they are taken collectively, the two are separate and distinct from each other.
Project methodology offers a structural framework for project management. Depending on the kind of project and corporate environmental management, the methodology ranges from a simple to more complicated process. It involves the whole project management process and aims to complete the project assigned to you.
For a simple project, the methodology will involve only the basic stages: initiation, planning, execution, and evaluation. But if the project is more complex, there will be additional stages in order to provide more control on the execution of the project.
Most of the project management methodologies are equipped with process information to enable you to create your own methodology. There are templates and forms available as your pattern to help you start in case you haven’t figured out how to head start.
While project management methodology provides for the framework, development methodology is the means of getting from one phase to another. Finishing a particular phase is an achievement in itself but you have to complete the process for the purpose of delivering to your clients the expected output. This is where proper training comes in.
Provision for training plan for your project management methodology is of extreme importance. The highly competitive market demands you to find new ways to exceed in your performance. The aim for a successful project can be converted into reality when you create and implement project management training.
Managing a project can be a crucial job. So as a manager, you have to strengthen your ability to handle a project and implement project management methodology. A comprehensive training program will help you complete the stages of methodology and simultaneously transforming you to a better and more competitive project manager. It ensures that your company will be happy to see the output you created within the given timeline.
Project management methodology training provides for the underlying structure of all processes, tools, templates and project management software. These are all necessary to give you adequate training on proper project management.
June 17, 2010
The six sigma methodology is a business quality management strategy that has been in use since its introduction back in 1981 by the Motorola Corporation. The main premise behind this quality system is to make improvements in the process of identifying and eliminating the errors and defects that are inherent to any process where it is applied to.
The six sigma methodology is also used to minimize the many variables involved with a manufacturing process. This is done with the use of a statistical analysis of each part of a process to properly identify the place where an error is most likely to occur.
The different processes are all carried out to specific and pre-defined sequence of steps that have pre-determined targets. These targets are set with the purpose of applying the six sigma methodology, which is generally to increase profits by reducing cost and minimize defects and errors in the products.
The six sigma methodology process has matured since it was first introduced. In its name, the “six” is a reference to its yield of solving any problems in a process that might be present. In comparison, a 1 sigma methodology would bring a process to be 31% free of any possible errors or defects. The 6 sigma methodology improves the reduction percentage to 99.99966%.
For the six sigma methodology to achieve its goal of removing all possible errors there must be an ongoing effort by the company to keep this process in place and in continuous use. This way, both the business and manufacturing process can be constantly monitored for improvements, so errors can immediately be removed when discovered.
The goal of the six sigma methodology is to obtain a long-term control on the quality of all sections of a system so a business can run more smoothly. The more efficient a business is run, the greater the revenue stream and profits that will occur. This is why all businesses are operating, to make money for the owners and shareholders.
June 16, 2010
Project Management Process refers to the procedural aspect of undertaking a project. It gives the manager project management methodology to effectively handle the project as the steps become complicated.
Whatever may be the nature of the work, project management process determines how to start the project and how to end it as well. There are four major stages in the process: initiation, planning, execution, and evaluation.
The initiation process refers to the determination of the feasible time to continue with the activity. The project managers will identify the problems and weigh in all possible opportunities. The managers will provide insights on how to resolve the situation.
At this stage, it is expected to come up with a solution deemed workable to a particular situation. Upon approval of the recommendation, the managers will briefly give the main points and define the scope and structure of the project.
Planning starts with a preliminary description of the plan to establish the fact that the proposed project can be executed. The project manager will try to succinctly lay down a plan and explain how it will benefit the company. Afterwards, a detailed planning will be started to delineate the scope, budget, key requirements, estimated time to finish the project and the peculiarities, if any. A typical process will make use of a process group to define the parameter of the work to be performed by each group.
The execution process refers to the point of implementing the plan. The predetermined process is carefully executed by the process group to accomplish the project. The manager is expected to submit a report about the progress of the project on a regular basis. The manager should be keen enough to modify the plan to make it conform to the current situation and be able to hit the target. He/she must be able to propose any changes which he/she deems appropriate.
The last stage is the evaluation. At this phase, the project will be evaluated whether the envisioned benefit was realized. And using project management software, the actual costing will be reviewed to see whether the project was completed in accordance with the proposed budget.
June 15, 2010
The basic elements of a project are resources, time, money and scope. These four elements are reciprocally connected with each other. Hence, a project manager must be able to manage these elements altogether in making up project management methodology.
The resources will include the manpower that will do the assigned tasks to complete the project; and the necessary equipment and materials to be used in pursuing the work. The time pertains to the period during which the work has to be performed and the estimated date when the project will be completed. The money refers to the budget; how much you allot for the costs and contingencies as well as the profit you expect to gain.
The most important element in project management is the scope. In fact, the scope has to be considered in all stages of project management methodology. The scope refers to what the project aims to accomplish. As a project manager you are expected to meet the scope of a project in relation to the timeline, budget and resources.
Usually, scope changes as you go along with the methodology. When your client opts to modify the scope of the project you must be able to think fast on how to manage the changes. Learning different approaches in project management methodology will help you stay focus and get ideas and strategies in order to meet the demands of your client.
Project management methodology assists you in breaking down the series of tasks to be performed by your people. You have to determine for yourself the tasks that have to be performed first, on what schedule, the resources needed on each phase and in what order they should be accomplished.
Handling a project seems to be complex. But project management methodology, with its four stages: initiation, planning, execution, and evaluation, will help you see the direct bearing of each element to one another.
Your ability as a project manager is gauged by the quality of project you deliver to your clients. With all contingencies and modifications that may come along the way, your full grasp on methodology will keep you abreast of the solution at hand. This is the secret of being able to deliver the project with delight.
