SE_DAY4_Software-Project-Management

[engrdarwina]

SE_DAY4_Software-Project-Management.

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1. Why is timely delivery crucial in software project management, and how can project managers ensure deadlines are met?

Timely delivery is important because it builds trust with clients, saves money, and keeps the project team motivated. Delays can increase costs and reduce customer satisfaction.

How to meet deadlines:

• Break the project into smaller tasks (milestones).

• Use tools like Gantt charts or project management software.

• Have regular check-ins and progress updates.

• Manage risks early by identifying possible blockers.

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2. How does effective cost control contribute to the success of a software project? What strategies can prevent budget overruns?

Keeping costs under control ensures the project doesn't run out of money before it's completed. It also keeps the project profitable.

Strategies to avoid budget issues:

• Set a realistic budget from the beginning.

• Track spending regularly.

• Use project management tools to monitor progress.

• Have a buffer (extra funds) for unexpected costs.

• Review resources and avoid overstaffing or unnecessary tools.

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3. Compare Agile and Waterfall methodologies. What are the main pros and cons of each?

Feature	Agile	Waterfall
Approach	Iterative (small changes over time)	Sequential (one phase after the other)
Flexibility	High – you can make changes	Low – hard to change after planning
User Feedback	Frequent – after each sprint	Usually at the end
Speed	Fast releases	Slower but structured
Best for	Evolving projects	Well-defined, fixed projects

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4. When is Agile better than Waterfall, and vice versa?

Agile is better when:

• Requirements might change (e.g., mobile app development).

• You want frequent updates and user feedback.

Waterfall is better when:

• The project scope is clear and fixed (e.g., building a payroll system).

• You’re working with strict regulations or detailed documentation.

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5. What are some methods for ensuring quality assurance in software projects? Why is it important?

Methods:

• Unit testing (check individual components).

• Integration testing (check if parts work together).

• Code reviews (peers check your work).

• Using test automation tools.

Maintaining quality ensures fewer bugs, happier users, and lower costs for fixing issues later.

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6. How does defining the project scope help? What is a WBS and why is it useful?

Defining scope means clearly stating what the project will and won’t do. It prevents confusion, extra work, and keeps everyone focused.

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) breaks the project into smaller, manageable tasks. It helps:

• Understand the full workload.

• Assign tasks to team members.

• Estimate time and costs more accurately.

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7. What are the benefits of a detailed project schedule, and how can Gantt charts help?

A detailed schedule helps:

• Track progress.

• Meet deadlines.

• Coordinate team efforts.

Gantt charts show tasks along a timeline. They help you:

• See which tasks overlap.

• Know who’s doing what and when.

• Spot delays before they become a problem.

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8. What problems does your software aim to solve, and why are they important?

My software solves [insert your example – e.g., "inefficient communication in remote teams”]. This matters because it leads to lost time, misunderstandings, and lower productivity—things most businesses want to fix.

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9. Why does clearly defining the problem help in developing better software?

If you don’t fully understand the problem, you might build the wrong solution. A clear problem statement helps the team stay focused and design features that directly address user needs.

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10. How would you describe your software simply, without technical jargon?

It’s a tool that helps people [solve a specific problem or achieve a specific goal] in a faster, easier, or more reliable way. For example:

“It’s like a smart assistant that organises your work tasks and reminds you before deadlines.”

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11. What makes your software stand out?

Main features might include:

• A simple, user-friendly design.

• Customisable options.

• Integration with popular platforms (e.g., Google, Slack).

• Real-time collaboration or automatic updates.

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12. What data is available on the market size and growth potential?

You can research industry reports or use sources like Statista, Gartner, or IBISWorld. For example, the global task management software market is growing fast as remote work becomes more common.

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13. How does understanding market trends help your software?

It helps you:

• Build features people actually want.

• Stay ahead of competitors.

• Know the right time to launch or promote.

• Adjust your pricing or marketing for your target audience.