CS615 Project Management?

CS615: Project Management

CS615 Project Management provides a comprehensive, structured approach to managing projects, with a special emphasis on the unique challenges of software and IT projects. This course is not just for aspiring project managers; it is essential for any technical professional who will be part of a project team. You will learn the formal processes, tools, and techniques for ensuring a project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

The course is structured around the five major process groups of project management: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. It provides a full-lifecycle view of a project, from the initial business case to the final delivery and lessons learned. You will learn to manage the "triple constraint" of scope, time, and cost, as well as other critical areas like risk, quality, and communication.

Key Topics Covered:

• Project Management Framework: Understanding the project lifecycle, stakeholders, and the core knowledge areas (e.g., scope, time, cost, risk, quality).
• Project Planning: This is the most critical phase.
  • Scope Management: Defining what the project will and will not deliver, using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
  • Time Management: Creating a realistic schedule by estimating activity durations and using tools like Gantt charts and the Critical Path Method (CPM).
  • Cost Management: Developing a budget and tracking project expenses.
• Risk Management: The process of identifying, analyzing, and planning responses to potential "unknowns" that could threaten the project.
• Quality Management: Planning and implementing processes to ensure the final product meets the customer's requirements and is fit for use.
• Agile Project Management: An increasingly important topic. We explore alternatives to traditional (Waterfall) project management, such as Scrum and Kanban, which are highly iterative and flexible.
• Team and Stakeholder Management: The "soft skills" of project management, including leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand and apply the standard processes and knowledge areas of project management.
2. Develop a comprehensive project plan, including a WBS, schedule, and budget.
3. Identify and manage project risks, scope creep, and quality issues.
4. Compare and contrast traditional (Waterfall) and Agile (Scrum) project management methodologies.
5. Master the use of common project management tools and documentation (e.g., Gantt charts, risk registers).

By completing CS615, students will be equipped with a valuable and highly transferable skill set that is critical for leading and contributing to successful technical projects in any industry.