B.TECH 8th sem Software Project Management 2018

Software Project Management PYQs

Short Answer Type

(a) Differentiate between activity on node and activity on arrow for activity planning.

 Activity on node (AON) and activity on arrow (AOA) are two commonly used methods for constructing network diagrams in project management. In AON, nodes represent activities, and arrows (or lines) represent dependencies between the activities. The duration of each activity is written on the corresponding node, and the network diagram is read from left to right. In AOA, arrows represent activities, and nodes represent events (the start and finish of an activity). The duration of each activity is written on the corresponding arrow, and the network diagram is read from left to right. Both methods are used for activity planning in project management.

(b) Define the following term

(i) Earned value

(ii) Cost variance

(iii) Schedule variance.

(iv) Cost performance index

(v) Schedule performance index

(i) Earned value is a method for measuring project progress by comparing the amount of work that has been completed with the planned work and the cost of that work.

(ii) Cost variance is the difference between the actual cost of a project and the planned cost of that project.

(iii) Schedule variance is the difference between the actual progress of a project and the planned progress of that project.

(iv) Cost performance index is a measure of the efficiency of a project in terms of cost. It is calculated by dividing the earned value by the actual cost.

(v) Schedule performance index is a measure of the efficiency of a project in terms of time. It is calculated by dividing the earned value by the planned value.

(c) What is extreme programming?

Extreme programming is a software development methodology that emphasizes teamwork, communication, simplicity, and flexibility. It involves iterative development, frequent releases, continuous testing, and customer involvement throughout the project.

(d) What is risk avoidance and risk mitigation?

Risk avoidance is a risk management strategy that involves taking actions to eliminate or minimize the likelihood of a risk occurring. Risk mitigation is a risk management strategy that involves taking actions to reduce the impact of a risk if it does occur.

(e) What is milestone analysis?

Milestone analysis is a technique for monitoring project progress by tracking the completion of significant events (milestones) in the project schedule. Milestones are used to measure progress, identify delays, and assess the impact of changes to the project plan.

(f) What is meant by estimation by analogy?

Estimation by analogy is a technique for estimating the duration or cost of a project by comparing it to similar projects that have been completed in the past.

(g) What do you understand by a project control cycle?

The project control cycle is a continuous process of planning, monitoring, and controlling a project. It involves defining project objectives, identifying project requirements, developing a project plan, executing the plan, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as necessary to keep the project on track. The control cycle is repeated throughout the project to ensure that the project stays within scope, on schedule, and within budget.

Long Answer Type 

Q. Explain the detailed steps and different methods required to build a work break down structure (WBS). Explain why it is often so difficult to do? What do you understand by scope creep?

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical breakdown of a project into smaller, more manageable components, activities, and tasks. It is an essential tool for project management as it helps to organize, plan, and track progress towards project completion. The following are the steps and methods required to build a WBS:

Define project deliverables: Identify all the deliverables of the project, which are the end products, services, or results that the project will produce.

Decompose deliverables into smaller components: Break down the deliverables into smaller and more manageable components, which will help to achieve the deliverables.

Organize the components: Organize the components into a hierarchy and structure them in a way that reflects the project's objectives and requirements.

Assign numbers to the components: Assign unique identifiers or codes to each component to facilitate tracking and reporting.

Verify the completeness of the WBS: Ensure that the WBS includes all project deliverables and the associated components necessary to complete the project.

Methods for building a WBS:

Top-down approach: This approach starts with the project's overall objectives and goals and breaks them down into smaller, more manageable components.

Bottom-up approach: This approach starts with the smallest tasks or work components and then aggregates them into larger components until the entire project is built.

Mind-mapping approach: This approach involves brainstorming and mapping out ideas and deliverables, breaking them down into smaller components.

It is often difficult to build a WBS because it requires a clear understanding of the project's objectives and deliverables. Additionally, there may be conflicting views on how the project should be structured, and it may be challenging to determine the appropriate level of detail for the WBS.

Scope creep refers to the tendency of a project's scope to expand over time, often without proper management or control. This can occur due to a lack of clarity in the project's objectives or requirements, inadequate planning or communication, or changes in stakeholder expectations. Scope creep can lead to increased costs, delays, and decreased project performance, making it essential to manage and control changes to the project's scope.

Q A software application is to be developed for internal use by a software company which would include the following capabilities:

(i) Allow employees to register for company-sponsored recreational programmes like soccer, snowball and bowling.

(ii) Allow employees to register for company-sponsored classes to help them manage their weight, reduce stress and manage other heath related issues.

(iii) Track data on employee involvement in these recreational and health management programmes.

(iv) Offer incentive to employees to join these activities and do well in them.

Develop a project scope statement for this project Develop a detailed work breakdown structure for this project upto level 3.

Project Scope Statement:

The software application project aims to develop an internal application for a software company that facilitates employee registration for the company-sponsored recreational and health-related programs. The application will enable employees to register for various programs, track their involvement, and offer incentives to encourage participation. The project's primary objective is to promote employee well-being and engagement, leading to a healthier and more motivated workforce.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):

Level 1: Software Application for Employee Programs

Level 2: Recreational Programs and Health Management Programs

Level 3: Components of Recreational Programs

Recreational Programs

1.1. Soccer

1.2. Snowball

1.3. Bowling

Level 3: Components of Health Management Programs

Health Management Programs

2.1. Weight Management

2.2. Stress Reduction

2.3. Other Health Issues

Level 3: Tracking and Incentive System

Tracking and Incentive System

3.1. Registration Module

3.2. Tracking Module

3.3. Incentive Module

The first level of the WBS outlines the overall scope of the project, which is to develop a software application for employee programs. The second level outlines the two main categories of programs: recreational and health management. The third level further breaks down the components of each program.

The recreational program consists of three components: soccer, snowball, and bowling. The health management program also consists of three components: weight management, stress reduction, and other health issues.

The third level of the WBS outlines the tracking and incentive system. This includes the registration, tracking, and incentive modules that will enable employees to track their participation and receive incentives for their involvement in the programs.

Scope creep refers to the continuous expansion of the project's scope beyond its original requirements, resulting in an increase in the project's budget, timeline, and resources. In this project, scope creep can occur if additional features or functionalities are added beyond the initial scope, leading to an increase in the project's budget and timeline. It is important to manage scope creep effectively by implementing change control procedures and communicating any changes to all stakeholders involved in the project.

                                (More questions will be added soon)