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Project Management Training For Software Development Firms
By | October 26, 2009
Any task which has a fixed beginning and a definite end is termed as a project. In today’s world, most work is based on project methodology. Therefore, it is imperative that we develop an understanding of projects and the management tools and techniques used in order to meet the project objectives. Project Management training goes beyond the realms of training restricted to water-tight compartments of technology, management etc. Projects may involve all these fields and project management training must therefore include training across the domains.
Taking the case of a software development project. Only after a proper explanation is provided will the project be initiated. For this to occur, there must be a legitimate requirement for the outcome being desired to be project result. Planning for the project begins with understanding the requirements. The business analyst handling that client/relationship sets forth the requirements in a software development project. Using cases, the requirements necessitate to be tested. A variety of requirements analysis software is obtainable in the market. Once the requirements have been determined and documented appropriately, the next stage of project management begins.
Project completion requires resources and these resources carry a price tag as well. A project which takes out maximum value at minimum cost is considered as a good project. Project Managers use time allocation and management techniques to manage these resources. One way of doing this is through use of project management templates. Such templates often come along with worksheet software applications or are developed separately using these software tools. Hence, a good project management training must include training sessions on worksheet software tools for effective project management.
A project should be a two way communication during its life cycle. Feedback part is very important for the project managers to understand its current status. Future project planning is affected by current status of the project. So training in project management should include hands - on training on communication tools used in the particular project. Such training is highly rewarding. Besides mail software training there is much more that is offered by communication training. During course of any project you must emphasize relevance of routine check - ups.
Effective resource management involves proper allocation of right reosurces capable of doing tasks in a coherent manner in order that the project objectives are met. Human capital impacts Project cost directly or indirectly. Hence training in project management must include sessions on human organizational behavior, costing and human resource management. Such training must also include sessions on quality, value engineering and theory of constraints. The purpose of these theories are not just for educational purpose, but also for imbibing them as a practical guidelines for achieving the project goals. Therefore project management training must include tasks which involve application of the important learnings from the sessions.
Recently, certain trainers have began to use uniquely designed computer games to demonstrate the project management ideas. Such computer games require the student to apply project mangement technology and are concentrated in their approach to training project management ideas. Such game based training has a quantifiable desired outcome to a certain extent, using course assessments. In summary, the learner has to perform assignments using the project management technology, instead of simply hovering around the traditional project management philosophies.
Project management training is a synergy of cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge. This is true in software development. The business analyst manages requirements and client relationships. Using project management templates to manage time and resources, the project manager can maximize value and minimize cost. Two way communication plays an important role throughout the life cycle of a project, because projects involve people. A recent trend in illustrating project management concepts is the use of specially designed computer games. These games provide trainers with interactive material that helps teach the concepts and philosophies of project management.
- George H. Purdy
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