Software project management (SPM)

Lecture # 08
List of Topics

• Configuration Management and Maintenance

• Monitoring & Control

• Resource Allocation
 Configuration Management and Maintenance
• Project Configuration Management: Configuration management is
about to control the changes in software like requirements, design,
and development of the product.
• During the project development, there may be many changes in the
project which should be adjusted in the project development.
• The Primary goal is to increase productivity with fewer errors.
• Some reasons show the need for configuration management:
• Several people work on software that is continually updated.
• Help to build coordination among stakeholders.
 Configuration Management and Maintenance
• Changes in requirement, budget, schedule need to accommodate.
• Software system should run on multiple systems (heterogeneous).

• Tasks perform in Configuration management:

• Identification
• Baseline
• Change Control
• Configuration Status Accounting
• Configuration Audits and Reviews
 Configuration Management and Maintenance
• People involved in Configuration Management:
• Project Manager
• Configuration Manager
• Developers
• Users
 Environment for Configuration Control
• Configuration management (CM) is a process used in software project
management to track and control changes to a system or product.
• It is typically used to maintain consistency and integrity of the product
throughout its development and maintenance.
• The environment for configuration management typically includes the
following components:
1.Version control system (VCS): A tool used to track changes to the source code
and other project artifacts. Examples include Git, SVN, and TFS.
2.Configuration management database (CMDB): A database that stores
information about the configuration of the product, including versions,
dependencies, and configurations.
Environment for Configuration Control (Cont.)
3.Build and release management: Tools and processes used to manage the
compilation, testing, and deployment of the product.
4.Change management: Procedures and tools used to track and approve
changes to the product.
5.Auditing and reporting: Tools and processes used to track and report on the
configuration of the product, including compliance with standards and
regulations.
• Overall, an environment for configuration control in software project
management is a set of tools, processes, and procedures that are put
in place to ensure that the software product is developed, tested,
deployed and maintained in a consistent and controlled manner.
 Project Monitoring and Control
• Project Monitoring and Control:
• Monitoring and Controlling are processes needed to track, review,
and regulate the progress and performance of the project. It also
identifies any areas where changes to the project management
method are required and initiates the required changes.
• The Monitoring & Controlling process group includes eleven
processes, which are
• Monitor and control project work: The generic step under which all
other monitoring and controlling activities fall under.
 Project Monitoring and Control (Cont…)
• Perform integrated change control: The functions involved in making
changes to the project plan. When changes to the schedule, cost, or any
other area of the project management plan are necessary, the program is
changed and re-approved by the project sponsor.
• Validate scope: The activities involved with gaining approval of the project's
deliverables.
• Control scope: Ensuring that the scope of the project does not change and
that unauthorized activities are not performed as part of the plan (scope
creep).
• Control schedule: The functions involved with ensuring the project work is
performed according to the schedule, and that project deadlines are met.
 Project Monitoring and Control (Cont…)
• Control costs: The tasks involved with ensuring the project costs stay
within the approved budget.
• Control quality: Ensuring that the quality of the projects deliverables
is to the standard defined in the project management plan.
• Control communications: Providing for the communication needs of
each project stakeholder.
• Control Risks: Safeguarding the project from unexpected events that
negatively impact the project's budget, schedule, stakeholder needs,
or any other project success criteria.
 Project Monitoring and Control (Cont…)
• Control procurements: Ensuring the project's subcontractors and
vendors meet the project goals.
• Control stakeholder engagement: The tasks involved with ensuring
that all of the project's stakeholders are left satisfied with the project
work.
 Resource Allocation
• What is Resource Allocation?
• Resource allocation is the process of assigning and managing assets in
a manner that supports an organization's strategic planning goals.
• Resource allocation includes managing tangible assets such as
hardware to make the best use of softer assets such as human capital.
Resource allocation involves balancing competing needs and
priorities, and determining the best course of action to maximize the
use of limited resources and get the best return on investment.
 Resource Allocation (Cont…)
• While resource allocation often refers to activities related to project
management, the term is also used in other contexts, including the following:
• economics, where it is a component of public finance; and
• computer storage, where it describes how operating systems manage data storage
resources.
• How to allocate resources on a project.
• The following five steps are important when allocating available resources as
part of project management:
• Plan: 
• Project managers should first map out the project. They must divide the
project into separate tasks and identify what skills are needed. 
 Resource Allocation (Cont…)
• Gauge availability: During this stage, managers must establish lines of
communication with team members so resource allocation and shifts
and changes in the project or its schedule can be communicated.
• Schedule: Resource scheduling involves blocking time for priority
tasks and designating the priority level of each task.
• Track: Once the project begins, it's important to track the
performance of team members and monitor how effectively they
complete tasks. 
• Evaluate: The success of the project is evaluated based on metrics
that show how well it met expectations.
 Resource Allocation (Cont…)
• Benefits of resource allocation:
• Effective resource allocation offers the following benefits:
• Collaboration: A resource allocation strategy allows communication
with stakeholders, to keep them informed about progress toward
strategic goals.
• Efficiency: Resource availability helps teams complete a project on
time and use only the resources needed to achieve each goal.
• Team morale: Resource allocation improves employee
engagement and team member morale.
 Resource Allocation (Cont…)
• Cost reduction: Effective resource allocation can result in significant
cost savings because it increases efficiency, reduces waste and avoids
costly mistakes, setbacks and delays.
• Challenges of resource allocation:
• There are some challenges associated with the resource allocation
process, including the following:
• Resource scarcity
• Skill shortages
• Resource overallocation
 Resource Allocation (Cont…)
• Miscommunication
• Outdated technology
• Scope creep
THANKS