CS415

CS415 – Software Project Management

CS415 – Software Project Management (SPM) is a professional-level course offered in the BS Computer Science program at Virtual University. It focuses on the principles, methodologies, and tools required to effectively manage software development projects. The course is essential for students aiming to become project managers, team leads, or software development coordinators, as it blends both theoretical concepts and practical strategies for handling software projects from initiation to closure. At its core, the course teaches how to plan, execute, monitor, and complete software projects within time, budget, and quality constraints. It starts with an overview of software project lifecycle models such as Waterfall, Agile, Spiral, and Iterative development. Students learn how to choose the most appropriate model based on the nature and complexity of the project. Key project planning techniques are covered in detail, including the creation of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Gantt charts, PERT charts, and network diagrams, which help in scheduling and resource allocation. A major focus is placed on effort, time, and cost estimation techniques, such as COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model) and Function Point Analysis, which are critical for making accurate project plans. The course also explores risk management, guiding students on how to identify potential risks early, assess their impact, and prepare mitigation strategies to avoid project failure. Quality assurance processes, such as software testing strategies and verification/validation methods, are integrated to ensure that the final product meets customer expectations. Another essential component of CS415 is human resource and team management, which includes understanding team roles, leadership styles, motivation techniques, conflict resolution, and communication management. Students are also introduced to commonly used project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, or Jira, enabling them to simulate real-world project planning and tracking. Overall, CS415 prepares students to manage not just the technical but also the organizational and human dimensions of software projects. It promotes strategic thinking, analytical skills, time management, and leadership, making it an indispensable course for any future software engineer or IT project lead.