Software Project Management in Practice

This book is important for three reasons - (1) it lays out a mature, viable project management approach, (2) the approach is proven in practice (hence the title) in a large organization, and (3) it shows that by-the-numbers approaches to complex endeavors is not necessarily theory. An added bonus, if you are in an organization that is using CMM key process areas or are working on a CMM initiative, this book aligns to that as well.What I like is the way this book lays out the how's of project management in a complete, detailed manner, and how it takes those how's from theory to practical application by providing real cases and the author's own insights and experience. Unlike other books, no matter how well written, this one will give you the confidence that the approach can be done.All of the critical success factors of a well managed project and the techniques for attaining them are there - excellent planning and estimating, scheduling, execution and control practices are provided. More importantly, this book shows how quality is interwoven into the approach, as well as key metrics and how to gather, manage and use them. Since this information is provided within the context of cases and real examples, readers who are serious about managing software projects will be struck by the realism and how to apply mature processes and practices during the project.I also like the insights into InfoSys, which is one of the most highly respected consulting and integration firms in the world. Reading this book solely for competitive intelligence purposes is a valid reason. However, reading it to become a top software project manager who can deliver on time and schedule is an even better reason to read this book. It is one of the best written books on a discipline that is both difficult and has a spotty record when it comes to success. Following the practices in it will assure success.

In all things, we learn best from those that are the best. Infosys, a software development firm, has one of the best track records in the successful completion of software development projects. Their level of success is most impressive in an area where somewhere close to one-third of the projects either are canceled or experience cost overruns in excess of 125%. They attribute this level of achievement to a sound and repeatable management strategy and the purpose of this book is to articulate that strategy. This is software development that is organized, from the first sketch of an idea to the last comment in the project post-mortem. The key points are to plan, but be flexible in the implementation and never, ever miss a chance to learn and record something new for the next project. It is also important to track the progress, based on estimates that are reasonable and not motivated by any personal or political agenda. Every listed feature is to be given a priority based on the value to the end user, rather than what the management or developers think is a cool thing to do. This may seem like an obvious point to make, but in fact features often get pushed up the priority scale because someone in the development chain demands it. General Dwight Eisenhower once said something like, "While no plan survives first contact with the enemy, I still cannot fail to plan." The reason behind this is obvious, in that people who plan ahead are always better at adapting to new circumstances than those who have no plan before they start. That is the primary point in this book, and it is one that you should follow, as planning for each step in the development cycle is examined in detail.

In this book Pankaj has shown how practically SEI CMM can be applied in different kinds of commercial software development situtations. One of the difficulties of CMM is the application of the model to the right extent in the right context. This book has made it simple to understand what the essential project management aspects in CMM are and how to use them effectively. This is a simple-to-read-and-understand book. One good thing I liked about the book is that it's precise, to the point dealing of topics; no less, no more. Less theory and more practical implementation details from a high maturity organization. Grteat amounts of insights into the actual practices and data of a high maturity organization is a huge bonus.

This book will give a very close look at what real high level Software Project Management (SPM) really is. It will provide you with the scope, practices, techniques even formats that a high maturity organization uses to manage projects with remarkable results for the organization it self for the individuals that perform the task and for the customers. The book is organized in very logical way introduction and concepts in software project management through process, project planning, project execution and project closure.The book explains sound methods and practices for SPM that as the author says "are grounded in common sense and supported by simple measures and analyses"As in his previous books Dr. Jalote demystifies the CMM by providing the reader with a very pragmatic and simple view of how SPM must be carried out, of course you must be aware that all the methods, techniques, and practices will not work unless those are performed in orderly and disciplined way.