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Dan Prodi and Pipi Rahayu

This course has been created for those working in software projects.

Primarily it has been created for project managers and scrum masters but also for all members involved in a software project: team members, software developers, tester, customers, product owners, stakeholders, quality managers and so on.

The course cover all the aspects of a software project management process for any kind of software project.

It is the obvious next chapter of my course about software development and has the aim to teach you how to successfully manage a software project.

Read more

This course has been created for those working in software projects.

Primarily it has been created for project managers and scrum masters but also for all members involved in a software project: team members, software developers, tester, customers, product owners, stakeholders, quality managers and so on.

The course cover all the aspects of a software project management process for any kind of software project.

It is the obvious next chapter of my course about software development and has the aim to teach you how to successfully manage a software project.

It is mainly focus on traditional projects and agile projects.

The main topics covered in this course are:

  • What is software project management

  • Project management skills

  • The role and responsibility of a software project manager

  • How to manage a software project successfully

  • Project management steps

  • The scenario in a software project

  • Roles & Responsibilities

  • What is a Gantt chart

  • What is a Pert chart

  • The project management process: the phases

  • How to deal with uncertainties in software development

  • The customers role in software development projects

  • Software development models

  • Risk assessment

  • Contingency plans

  • Change management

  • The deployment process

  • Agile Frameworks

  • Agile project management

  • Project Management - Concepts

  • Project Management - Application - MS Project: Create your project plan

  • Calculating the Software Development Cost

  • Project Management - Application - MS Project: Resource Management

  • Project Management - Application - MS Project: Project Calendar

  • Project Management - Application - MS Project: Project Tracking

  • Project Management - Application - MS Project: Project Reporting

  • Project Management - Application - MS Excel: Project Management Dashboard / Project Status Report

  • Project Management - Application - Smartsheet

  • Project Management - Application - Atlassian JIRA

  • Project Management - Conclusions

  • Project conclusion

  • How to close a project

  • Lessons Learned

  • Handover

  • Documentation management

  • Additional tools

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to manage software
  • Software project management
  • Agile project management
  • Manage scrum projects

Syllabus

General
Introduction
Course Structure
What is software project management
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers both traditional and agile project management methodologies, providing a comprehensive understanding of different approaches to software project execution
Explores risk assessment and contingency planning, which are crucial for proactively addressing potential challenges in software development projects
Includes practical application of project management tools like MS Project, MS Excel, Smartsheet and Atlassian JIRA, enhancing skills for real-world scenarios
Examines the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and various models, such as Waterfall, Agile, and Spiral, offering a broad perspective on development processes
Features case studies to illustrate project plan setup, which allows learners to apply concepts in a simulated environment
Teaches MS Project, which may require learners to purchase a license or subscription to access the software and follow along with the application modules

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive software project management

According to learners, this course offers a solid and comprehensive overview of software project management, covering both traditional and agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban. Many found the instructor knowledgeable and the content easy to understand, particularly praising the practical examples and real-world case studies. The sections on using tools like MS Project, Excel, and JIRA were frequently highlighted as highly useful for practical application. While some felt certain advanced topics could be more detailed, the general consensus indicates it provides a strong foundation and practical tools for managing software projects, making it a valuable learning experience for beginners and those looking to solidify their knowledge.
Some wish for deeper dives on advanced topics.
"It's a great overview, but some sections could go into more depth."
"Wish it covered more advanced techniques in risk management."
"For experienced PMs, it might feel a bit basic in certain areas."
Provides a strong starting point for new PMs.
"As a beginner, I found this course to be an excellent starting point."
"It gives a solid foundation in the fundamentals of project management."
"Perfect for someone new to the field or transitioning into a PM role."
Uses practical examples relevant to real projects.
"The case studies were very helpful in understanding how concepts apply."
"I appreciated the real-world examples provided throughout the course."
"Practical application is key, and this course delivers on that."
Demonstrates tools like MS Project, Excel, JIRA.
"The MS Project section was incredibly useful and practical."
"Learning how to use Excel for project dashboards was a highlight."
"The JIRA application examples helped solidify my understanding."
Instructor is knowledgeable and explains topics clearly.
"The instructor explains everything very clearly and is easy to follow."
"His knowledge is evident and made complex topics accessible."
"The lectures were well-structured and easy to understand."
Covers traditional and agile methods comprehensively.
"The course is excellent and covers all aspects of software project management."
"It covers both traditional and agile methodologies very well."
"I feel I have a complete overview after taking this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Software Project Management - The complete course with these activities:
Review Agile Principles
Solidify your understanding of the core values and principles behind Agile methodologies to better grasp the course's Agile project management sections.
Browse courses on Agile Principles
Show steps
  • Read the Agile Manifesto and its principles.
  • Reflect on how these principles apply to software projects.
  • Identify potential challenges in applying these principles.
Review 'Agile Project Management with Scrum'
Gain a deeper understanding of Scrum and its application in Agile project management.
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Agile Project Management with Scrum'.
  • Take notes on key concepts and practices.
  • Relate the concepts to the course material.
Simulate a Sprint Planning Meeting
Practice the skills learned in the Agile sections of the course by simulating a sprint planning meeting with a hypothetical software project.
Show steps
  • Define a hypothetical software project and its goals.
  • Create a product backlog with user stories.
  • Estimate the effort required for each user story.
  • Plan a sprint, selecting user stories for the sprint backlog.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Gantt Chart Creation
Reinforce your understanding of project scheduling by creating Gantt charts for different project scenarios.
Show steps
  • Select a project scenario with tasks and dependencies.
  • Use project management software to create a Gantt chart.
  • Adjust task durations and dependencies to optimize the schedule.
Develop a Project Management Dashboard
Apply your knowledge of project tracking and reporting by creating a project management dashboard using a tool like MS Excel or Smartsheet.
Show steps
  • Choose a project management tool (e.g., Excel, Smartsheet).
  • Define key project metrics to track (e.g., progress, budget).
  • Create visualizations to represent the metrics.
  • Design the dashboard layout for clear communication.
Review 'The Phoenix Project'
Understand the human side of project management and the importance of DevOps principles.
Show steps
  • Read 'The Phoenix Project'.
  • Identify the project management challenges faced by the characters.
  • Reflect on how DevOps principles could have helped.
Write a blog post on Risk Management
Solidify your understanding of risk management by writing a blog post explaining the key concepts and processes.
Show steps
  • Research risk management principles and techniques.
  • Outline the key topics to cover in the blog post.
  • Write the blog post, providing clear explanations and examples.
  • Edit and proofread the blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete Software Project Management - The complete course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Project Manager
A Software Project Manager orchestrates software development projects from conception to completion. This role requires a deep understanding of software development methodologies and the ability to manage teams, timelines, and budgets effectively. This course helps build a foundation in software project management principles, covering essential topics such as project planning, risk assessment, change management, and deployment processes. The course's focus on both traditional and agile project management methodologies prepares aspiring Software Project Managers to adapt to various project environments. The course's exploration of tools like MS Project, MS Excel, Smartsheet, and Jira helps you manage projects.
Scrum Master
A Scrum Master is a facilitator for an agile development team, guiding the team in using Scrum practices. The Scrum Master removes impediments, facilitates meetings, and helps the product owner and development team to achieve their goals. This course emphasizes agile project management and specifically addresses Scrum frameworks. The sections on sprint cycles, release planning, daily scrums, sprint reviews, and retrospective meetings are directly relevant to the responsibilities of a Scrum Master. This exploration of agile methodologies helps you to excel as a Scrum Master.
Technical Project Manager
A Technical Project Manager leads software projects and requires a technical understanding of software development processes, along with project management skills. This role demands expertise in managing technical teams, timelines, and budgets. This course covers project management principles, risk assessment, change management, and deployment processes. The hands-on experience with tools like MS Project, MS Excel, Smartsheet, and Jira helps Technical Project Managers effectively plan and execute projects. This course can help you manage the many details of a project.
Product Owner
A Product Owner is responsible for defining and managing the product backlog, prioritizing features, and ensuring that the development team understands the product vision. This role requires a strong understanding of agile methodologies and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. The course focuses on agile project management and specifically addresses Scrum frameworks, which are directly relevant to the responsibilities of a Product Owner. The sections on sprint cycles, release planning, and user stories help you excel as a Product Owner. The course helps you understand agile practices.
Project Management Consultant
A Project Management Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their project management processes and practices. This role requires a broad understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques. This course introduces project management concepts, skills, and steps, providing a solid foundation for consulting. The course's inclusion of tools such as MS Project, MS Excel, Smartsheet, and Atlassian Jira strengthens a consultant's ability to recommend appropriate solutions. The course also explores traditional and agile approaches, allowing you to advise clients on the best fit for their specific needs.
Release Manager
A Release Manager plans, schedules, and controls the software build through different stages and environments. This role requires a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle and deployment processes, ensuring smooth and efficient releases. This course covers the deployment process and agile software deployment, which are crucial for Release Managers. The course's sections on change management and contingency plans help you prepare for potential challenges during the release process. In addition, the course covers the software development lifecycle.
Program Manager
A Program Manager oversees multiple related projects, coordinating their efforts to achieve strategic goals. This role demands exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills. This course helps develop skills in project management, risk assessment, and change management, all critical for effective program management. The course's coverage of project management steps and the project management process will be helpful for a Program Manager. This course highlights risk and change management for those in the role.
Project Coordinator
A Project Coordinator supports project managers by assisting with administrative tasks, tracking progress, and ensuring that projects stay on schedule. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills. This course introduces project management steps and concepts, providing a foundation for project coordination. The course's coverage of tools such as MS Project, MS Excel, Smartsheet, and Jira may be useful for tracking project progress and managing tasks. This course helps you understand and manage project timelines.
Agile Coach
An Agile Coach guides organizations and teams in adopting and improving agile practices. They mentor teams, facilitate workshops, and help organizations transform their culture to embrace agility. This course covers agile frameworks, methodologies, and agile project management. The course's coverage of agile ceremonies, workflows, and structures like epics, stories, themes, and initiatives helps you understand agile principles. This course may be useful in understanding the practical application of agile methodologies.
Configuration Manager
A Configuration Manager is responsible for managing and controlling changes to software configurations, ensuring that all changes are properly documented and tracked. This role requires a strong understanding of software development processes and change management principles. This course specifically addresses change management, which helps enhance skills in this area. In addition, the course touches on documentation management, which is helpful for a Configuration Manager. This course helps you manage software deployment.
Team Lead
A Team Lead is responsible for guiding and supporting a team of developers or other technical professionals. This role requires technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to motivate and mentor team members. This course introduces project management skills, roles, and responsibilities, which are useful for a Team Lead. The coverage of agile frameworks and methodologies can help you implement effective team practices. The course's discussion of roles and responsibilities within a software project can help you lead a team.
Quality Assurance Manager
A Quality Assurance Manager oversees the quality assurance process for software projects, ensuring that software meets specified standards and requirements. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of testing methodologies, and the ability to manage a team of testers. The course covers all aspects of a software project management process, including risk assessment and contingency plans, which are valuable for Quality Assurance Managers. The course will be useful in managing quality.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies business needs and determines solutions to business problems. They often work closely with project teams to ensure that projects align with business goals. This course provides an understanding of software development models, risk assessment, and change management, which are valuable for a Business Analyst. Understanding the software development lifecycle and project management processes helps you better understand the context of your work. This course may be helpful in understanding software project considerations.
IT Manager
An IT Manager oversees an organization's information technology infrastructure and ensures that it aligns with business goals. This role requires a broad understanding of IT systems, project management, and team leadership. This course introduces project management skills and the role and responsibilities of a project manager, which are useful for an IT Manager. The course's coverage of software development models and risk assessment may be useful in managing IT projects. The course is useful in leading IT projects.
Project Management Office Director
A Project Management Office Director establishes and oversees the organization's project management practices. This role requires a deep understanding of project management methodologies and the ability to implement consistent processes. This course introduces project management concepts, skills, and the role of a project manager. The course's discussion of project management steps, phases, and connected processes helps you to standardize project management practices. The course may be useful in managing software projects.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Software Project Management - The complete course.
Foundational text providing a comprehensive overview of project management principles and practices. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and is widely used as a reference and textbook in academic and professional settings. The seventh edition reflects current trends and approaches in project management, including adaptive and hybrid methodologies. It is highly valuable for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to solidify their understanding and as a reference for best practices.
Provides a comprehensive and detailed guide to the mechanics of Scrum, explaining the roles, artifacts, and events with clear illustrations. It's a valuable reference for anyone starting out or seeking to deepen their understanding of the framework's elements. It is often used as a textbook and is highly regarded for its practical approach.
A deep dive into the Product Owner role, this book guides readers through maximizing value with Scrum, including strategy, backlog management, and stakeholder collaboration. It's a must-read for Product Owners seeking to enhance their skills and understanding of their critical accountability within the Scrum framework. It offers practical advice for a key Scrum role.
Provides a guide to using Gantt charts for human resources projects. It includes tips and techniques for creating and using Gantt charts in the human resources industry.
Hubbard critically examines common shortcomings in traditional risk management approaches, particularly the lack of quantitative methods. is crucial for anyone looking to move beyond qualitative assessments and develop more accurate and effective risk analysis strategies. It provides practical insights and emphasizes the importance of measurement and empirical data.
Provides a guide to using Gantt charts for software development projects. It includes tips and techniques for creating and using Gantt charts in the software development industry.
Provides a guide to using Gantt charts for financial projects. It includes tips and techniques for creating and using Gantt charts in the financial industry.
Another valuable book by Hubbard, this focuses on the crucial aspect of measurement, particularly for seemingly intangible concepts often encountered in risk assessment. It provides methods and a framework for quantifying uncertainty and risk, which is essential for effective risk management. is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their quantitative risk analysis skills.
Retrospectives are a vital Scrum event for continuous improvement. provides a wealth of practical exercises and guidance for facilitating effective retrospectives that help teams learn and adapt. It's an essential resource for Scrum Masters and teams looking to deepen their inspection and adaptation capabilities.
This comprehensive handbook covers a wide range of topics in financial risk management, including market, credit, operational, and liquidity risk. It is suitable for advanced students and practitioners in finance, offering a detailed exploration of both theoretical concepts and mathematical tools.
Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity, this book provides a focused look at risk management within this domain, specifically utilizing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. It's an essential read for anyone involved in IT or cybersecurity risk assessment and management, offering practical guidance and a clear framework.
Cornerstone for Scrum Masters and agile coaches looking to develop their coaching skills. It provides frameworks and techniques for guiding teams towards self-organization and high performance, crucial aspects of a mature Scrum team. It complements the mechanical understanding of Scrum with essential interpersonal skills.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of risk science, covering fundamental concepts, principles, approaches, methods, and models for understanding, assessing, communicating, managing, and governing risk. It is well-suited for students at the university level and offers a solid foundation for anyone entering the field of risk assessment and management.
Considered a comprehensive guide and often referred to as a 'bible' in project management, this book offers a detailed systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. It is suitable for both students and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge. The book includes real-world case studies and covers a broad range of topics, making it a strong reference for various project scenarios.
Applying the quantitative measurement principles from Hubbard's other work to the specific domain of cybersecurity risk, this book provides practical guidance on quantifying cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. It's essential for cybersecurity professionals looking to implement more rigorous risk assessment methods.
Offers extensive coverage of the core concepts and frameworks of risk management, making it an ideal companion for those new to the field or seeking to solidify their understanding. It provides a practical guide to implementing effective risk management processes within an organization. This book is often used as a textbook in academic and professional settings.
Is crucial for Scrum Teams to effectively manage their work. It covers various techniques for estimating and planning in an agile environment, directly applicable to Scrum's sprint planning and release planning. It provides practical methods to address key questions about timelines and cost, deepening the team's ability to forecast and commit.
Another foundational book on Scrum, this guide by co-creator Ken Schwaber delves into applying Scrum for agile project management. It provides practical examples and is considered a must-read for those adopting agile approaches. is particularly useful for understanding how to implement Scrum practices in real-world projects.
Explores the journey of a Scrum Master and provides practical guidance and insights into the role beyond the basic framework. It's a helpful resource for new and experienced Scrum Masters looking to understand the mindset and practices of an effective servant-leader in a Scrum environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Agile project management with a focus on using Kanban, a popular Agile framework. It covers the principles, practices, and tools of Kanban, and how to apply them to real-world projects.
Provides a solid foundation in the essentials of risk management, covering various types of financial risks and the frameworks used to manage them. It's a widely recognized text in the financial industry and suitable for both students and professionals.
While not solely about Scrum, this book is essential for understanding how to effectively capture and manage requirements in an agile context using user stories, a common practice in Scrum. It provides a comprehensive guide valuable for Product Owners and Development Teams to deepen their understanding of backlog management. It's a practical reference for a key Scrum artifact.
Provides a sweeping historical narrative of humanity's understanding and management of risk, from ancient times to the modern financial world. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad, foundational understanding of the evolution of risk assessment and its significance across various fields. While not a technical manual, it offers invaluable context and highlights the long-standing human endeavor to quantify and control uncertainty.
For organizations scaling Scrum, this book introduces the Nexus Framework, an approach for multiple Scrum teams collaborating on a single product. It's essential for understanding how to apply Scrum principles at scale and addresses the challenges of integration and dependency management in larger contexts. It's a valuable resource for those dealing with scaled Scrum.
A follow-up to 'Inspired,' this book focuses on the coaching and development of product teams and the leadership necessary to create empowered teams. It's highly relevant for Scrum Masters and leaders aiming to foster an environment where Scrum teams can thrive and deliver extraordinary results. Published recently, it addresses contemporary challenges in product organizations.
Guide to site reliability engineering, a software development approach that focuses on the reliability of software systems. It is written by Betsy Beyer, Chris Jones, Jennifer Petoff, and Niall Richard Murphy, four leading experts in the field, and is known for its insights into the challenges and opportunities of site reliability engineering.
Focused specifically on operational risk within the financial services industry, this book provides a comprehensive guide to best practices. It is valuable for those specializing in financial risk, offering detailed insights into identifying, assessing, and managing operational risks. While industry-specific, the principles and frameworks discussed have broader applicability.
Is designed as a basic guide for beginners in project management. It covers fundamental concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, making it suitable for those new to the topic or serving as unofficial project managers. It provides a solid starting point for learning the basics of project planning and management.
Provides a solid understanding of the key components of operational risk management and how to implement an effective framework. It covers essential tools and techniques and includes case studies of major operational risk events, making it valuable for both students and professionals focusing on this area.
Aimed at practitioners, this book delves into common challenges faced when implementing Scrum and provides guidance on overcoming them to maximize agility. It's valuable for those looking to deepen their understanding of applying Scrum in complex situations and achieving its full potential.
This hands-on guide provides practical techniques for project planning, scheduling, and control. It is focused on helping project managers deliver projects on time and within budget. useful reference for actionable strategies and tools in these key project management areas.
Focuses on the critical practice of continuous discovery, an essential element for Product Owners and teams working in a Scrum environment to build the right product. It provides practical techniques for integrating customer feedback and discovery into the product development process, enhancing the value delivered by the Scrum team.
Designed for practitioners in their early stages of adopting Scrum, this book provides actionable advice and strategies for navigating the real-world challenges faced by new Scrum teams. It offers practical guidance based on extensive experience, making it a helpful companion during the initial implementation phase.
Presents Agile project management through the lens of a samurai warrior, providing a unique and engaging perspective on the topic. It covers the principles of Agile, as well as practical advice on how to implement them in real-world projects.
Guide to DevOps, a software development approach that focuses on collaboration between development and operations teams. It is written by Gene Kim, Jez Humble, Patrick Debois, and John Willis, four leading experts in the field, and is known for its practicality and real-world examples.
Serves as a companion to the Scrum Guide, offering practical insights and real-world scenarios to help practitioners deepen their understanding of Scrum principles and their application. It's a useful resource for those looking for additional context and guidance beyond the core guide.
This concise pocket guide offers a clear and to-the-point explanation of Scrum, based on the Scrum Guide. It's an excellent portable reference for quickly reviewing the core elements of Scrum and understanding its underlying principles. Useful for students and professionals needing a quick refresher.
Taleb challenges conventional risk models by highlighting the significant impact of rare, unpredictable events he terms 'Black Swans'. is vital for those seeking to deepen their understanding of risk beyond standard statistical distributions and prepare for unforeseen, high-impact events. It encourages a more robust and less fragile approach to risk management.
Offers a more advanced perspective on effective risk management, providing insights and techniques for serious practitioners. It goes beyond the basics and delves into strategies for successful risk management implementation.
Offers practical strategies and insights on defining, leading, and managing projects through a series of essays. Based on the author's experience in software and web development, it provides relatable anecdotes for both technical and non-technical readers. It is valuable for gaining a practical perspective on project planning and execution beyond just methodologies.

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