The Role Of A Project Manager In Software Development

It is important to remember that there is a significant difference between a project manager and a Scrum Master. Some may think that the roles and goals are the same and the titles are interchangeable, but they are actually very different. The project manager focuses on the overall success of the project, meeting milestones, monitoring the budget, and resolving blockers. The Scrum Master focuses on the success of the Scrum team and the execution of the Scrum ceremonies.

Project manager in software development

Starting strong

Before starting anything, the project manager should sit down with his partners and team and define the success criteria and scope of the project. Project success criteria should be clearly stated in your project documentation and signed off by the project sponsor, stakeholders, and you as the project manager. Success rates may vary between stakeholders, projects, and industries; therefore, it is important to define them at the start of the project. One company might consider the success of releasing a software application to an app store.

Project estimate

Probably the most important aspect of the initial phase of project planning is the estimation of the project size, which is essential for determining the cost, duration, and planned effort necessary for the project.

These estimates include:

  • Time

Total estimated time to complete the project and, if necessary, its sub-parts.

  • Cost

Summary of the total cost of developing a software product.

  • Effort

The estimated effort required to complete the project under any given conditions and constraints.

Change management

The key to success is knowing your project and adapting. Not all projects are the same and a successful project manager knows that you cannot use the same management style for every project, and you must be flexible. First, you need to know your stakeholders, customers, and project goals. Once you have gathered this information, you can adjust specific processes to ensure your timelines are maintained.

Risk management

  • Another critical factor for project success is effective risk management. The project manager should be the go-to person when the team is looking for solutions to any blockers/issues related to software development. At the beginning of the project, it is essential to identify the risks that may occur and plan for contingencies. When problems arise, you can proactively mitigate them rather than react.
  • Learning from your mistakes is something a successful manager must do to ensure that the next project does not have the same problem. If you stick to the rut and keep doing the same thing, it leads to more failed deliveries. Processes are critical, but they are not always the right answer. Apply your learnings to subsequent projects and make sure you consider the team members themselves.

Planning and allocation of resources

In the context of project management in software development, project managers should plan and allocate all required manpower and resources for the development of software projects after the above estimates have been completed.

Organization of time

It goes without saying that time management is an essential part of the role of a project manager. Having a deadline isn’t always enough and having someone behind the scenes to make sure everyone is on task is often the missing cog in an otherwise slow-moving machine.

Continuous education

All project managers should continue to educate themselves and build on their knowledge of project management, just like any other subject or discipline. A doctor cannot provide new life-saving treatments if he sticks to the same practice. Regardless of the career or subject, you are interested in, look for new opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Networking with your peers in the project management profession can open your understanding of new approaches to standardized processes.

Conclusion

Project management software is an essential tool in project development and therefore every company should implement it in their system. Project managers also need to take advantage of the effectiveness of project management software to ensure that the project they are undertaking is successful. Employees and other stakeholders to whom tasks are assigned should also use the software to complete their tasks on or before the set deadlines.