QUESTION 1:
Discuss the roles of a project manager?
As a software project manager, one is required to have technical understanding, leadership and
organizational skills in order to manage project processes. These are some of the roles of a
software project manager;
Project Planning & Scope Management
Define Objectives: Collaborate with stakeholders to establish clear project goals,
deliverables, and success criteria.
Create Roadmaps: Develop timelines (e.g., Gantt charts) and iterative plans (e.g., sprints
in Agile).
Scope Management: Manage evolving requirements, balancing flexibility (in Agile) with
constraints like time and budget.
Project Resource Management
Allocate Resources: Assign team roles, manage budgets, and procure tools/technologies
(e.g., cloud services, licenses).
Optimize Utilization: Ensure efficient use of human and technical resources to avoid
bottlenecks.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
Bridge Gaps: Translate technical information for business stakeholders and clarify
business needs for developers.
Regular Updates: Facilitate meetings, demos, and reports to keep stakeholders informed
and aligned.
Risk Management
Identify Risks: Proactively assess technical, schedule, or resource risks (e.g., technical
debt, integration challenges).
Mitigation Strategies: Implement contingency plans, conduct retrospectives, and adjust
workflows to address issues.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Motivate Teams: Foster a positive environment, resolve conflicts, and empower
developers.
Methodology Integration: Adapt processes (e.g., Waterfall approach) and collaborate
with roles like Scrum Masters or Product Owners.
Quality Assurance & Delivery
Oversee Testing: Coordinate with QA teams to ensure adherence to standards and track
bug resolution.
Deployment Coordination: Work with DevOps/IT teams to manage releases, rollbacks,
and post-launch support.
Budget & Timeline Control
Track Expenses: Monitor costs (e.g., tools, cloud usage) and adjust plans to stay within budget.
Deadline Management: Address delays through prioritization or scope adjustments.
Documentation & Compliance
Ensure Documentation: Oversee creation of technical specs, user guides, and compliance reports
(e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
Audit Readiness: Maintain records for regulatory or security reviews.
Vendor & Third-Party Management
Coordinate External Partners: Manage contracts, APIs, or integrations with external vendors.
Continuous Improvement
Retrospectives: Analyze project outcomes to refine processes for future initiatives.
Tool Proficiency: Leverage tools like Jira, Trello, or MS Project to streamline workflows.
Post-Project Transition
Handover & Training: Ensure smooth transition to support teams and provide client training for
sustained success.
Summary
A software project manager controls the entire project lifecycle, balancing technical execution with
business objectives. They act as a central authority, ensuring alignment across teams, stakeholders, and
processes while adapting to dynamic challenges inherent in software development. Their success hinges
on strategic planning, empathetic leadership, and agile problem-solving
QUESTION 2
Difference between Technical and Financial Feasibility?
1. Technical Feasibility
This assesses whether the project can be developed with the available technology, resources, and
expertise. It focuses on:
Technology Requirements: Can the software be built with existing tools, frameworks,
and platforms?
Technical Expertise: Does the team have the necessary skills and experience?
Infrastructure: Are the required hardware and software resources available?
Scalability & Performance: Can the system handle expected loads and future growth?
Integration: Will it work smoothly with existing systems?
2. Financial Feasibility
This evaluates whether the project is financially viable and worth the investment. It includes:
Development Costs: Cost of labor, software licenses, hardware, and infrastructure.
Operational Costs: Maintenance, hosting, and ongoing support expenses.
Revenue Potential: Will the project generate enough income to justify the costs?
Return on Investment: How long will it take to recover the investment?
Budget Constraints: Is the project affordable based on available funds?
