Software Project Management in Practice

Some organizations are able to manage software projects successfully with desired results. This book looks at one such organization, Infosys Technologies, and details the processes it has in place to manage projects. Revealing exactly how Infosys operates, it provides a case study to guide project managers.

We often hear about software projects that are late, over budget, or unable to satisfy customer needs. Yet some organizations are able to manage project after project successfully with desired results. In this book, Pankaj Jalote looks at one such organization, Infosys Technologies, a highly regarded high-maturity organization, and details the processes it has in place to manage projects. Revealing exactly how Infosys operates, Jalote provides an excellent case study to guide project managers everywhere. The specific Infosys practices described reflect sound management principles and practices. They are also grounded in common sense, and can be incorporated into any organization’s software development operation easily. With an actual software project from Infosys used as a running example, the author explains the key aspects of successful project management–from process planning through project monitoring and closure. The practices discussed are also compatible with the widely adopted Capability Maturity Model® (CMM®). In the end, readers will gain a practical framework for systematically improving the planning and execution of any software project. In-depth coverage of the Infosys software project management process includes: Requirement change management Process planning, tailoring, monitoring, and auditing Effort estimation and scheduling Quantitative quality management Risk assessment and control Measurement and tracking planning Project team planning Customer communication Configuration management Reviews Project tracking and closure analysis Milestone analysis Activity level analysis using SPC Defect prevention The process database Many guidelines exist for achieving higher software process maturity. This book shows you how by example. 0201737213B01182002

Delivering high-quality software on time and on budget: it can be done. Pankaj Jalote introduces a set of practices and principles that have been used to successfully execute hundreds of projects -- of all types and sizes. Software Project Management in Practice presents the complete set of processes employed -- and proven effective -- at one of the world's most successful software organizations, Infosys Technologies. These processes, grounded in common sense and supported by simple metrics, can systematically improve the planning and execution of any software project. Since these processes satisfy the requirements of CMM Level 5 -- the industry's most challenging software process standard -- this book's examples illuminate project management as performed by a highly mature development organization. For all project managers and software professionals who may be called upon to manage projects.