What is this course about?

This course provides the tools necessary to organize and select process choices, create realistic plans, and build and manage an accomplished team through every phase of the software development life cycle. Through the use of a simulated real-world project experience, you are immersed in an authentic environment running a software development project. This unique approach provides you with a solid foundation to apply the lessons learned in class on your next project back at your organization.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course benefits anyone involved in software projects. It is particularly valuable for project managers, team leaders, technical leads, business analysts and resource managers responsible for the delivery of software projects. Members of the software project team (developers, testers, analysts, business representatives), and other senior personnel will also benefit. If you depend upon the delivery of software or provide software teams a service this course will show you how the most effective projects are run.

How is this course structured?

This course is structured around a dynamic style of learning created by Learning Tree called RealityPlus^TM -- an immersive experience that engages you in authentic tasks within a simulated real-world context. Through media-rich case studies, role playing, and video/computer-based activities, you are immersed throughout the course in an evolving scenario where the decisions you make affect the outcome of the simulation. The RealityPlus learning method is presented in a safe environment where you gain new skills and practice the most effective techniques to bring back to your job. At the end of your course, you are prepared to immediately and successfully apply these new skills within your organization!

Does this course cover "traditional" or "modern" project planning?

Both. This course shows participants how to integrate the most successful techniques, including both modern and traditional approaches designed to meet the real-world challenges of today. The course also emphasizes the creation of a tailored solution that meets specific problems at hand. The building blocks used to create solutions are taken from current best practice models and today's business environment.

How does this course differ from Course 296?

Course 340 focuses on the unique aspects of software development projects as well as project management fundamentals. Course 296, Project Management: Skills for Success, teaches the principles and best practices of running a broad range of projects. Participants should not take both Course 296 and Course 340 as there is significant overlap in the content of these two courses.

How is time spent in this course?

This course analyzes the project in the context of the business. How does the project deliver the business needs and what does that mean to the project management team? Who are the project customers? What do those customers want?

Then, project approach and delivery options are assessed. The strengths and weaknesses of various time-tested alternatives, as well as current life cycle models and methods, are dissected to identify the choices that you have in developing an effective project approach.

Once a project plan and an effective risk management process are in place, the project can begin. This course focuses both on the creation of realistic plans and the day to day implementation of those plans. It provides a straightforward three-step model for the initial creation of the plan, including key planning tools such as the work breakdown structure (WBS), the network diagram and the Gantt chart. The challenges facing the software project manager are explored. In addition, the following questions are addressed:

• How can you bring out the best from the team?
• How can you keep the support of the people working outside of the project?
• What are the duties of the project manager during the life cycle of a project?
• How can you make estimating work for the project?

The course helps you develop techniques that build the team, establish effective team behaviors, and allow the project manager to know the status of the project in order to make effective decisions and ensure the success of the project.

How much time is devoted to each topic?

What kinds of activities are included in this course?

Approximately 45 percent of class time is spent in activities. Throughout the course, you are immersed in an authentic experience running a software development project. Simulations provide you with actual project experience that form a foundation for your next project back at your organization. Activities include:

• Reaching consensus on project goals and deliverables
• Assessing the project for risk
• Implementing an appropriate life cycle for the software delivery
• Creating an effective project plan
• Diagnosing how to resource the plan
• Extracting best practices for future projects

Is this course applicable to a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification?

Yes. Although this course is not designed as preparation for the exam, it is beneficial to anyone working toward PMI's PMP certification. For those who are currently certified, completion of this course counts as 23 professional development units (60 units must be completed every three years to maintain certification). For more details, please see the Learning Tree PMI Registered Education Provider Q&A.

If you are an experienced project manager intending to take the PMP exam, you should take Course 276, Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® Exam. In this course you learn essential PMBOK^® Guide -Third Edition terminology, tools and techniques. You gain practical test-taking experience through PMI-style practice exams and create your own personal study plan for continued use after the course.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

• 287, Strategic Project Management: Achieving Organizational Goals is the ideal next step for those developing their project management skills. This course assumes the knowledge offered in Course 340.
• 286, Project Risk Management teaches you to proactively develop strategies that analyze the risks associated with project development and implementation.
• 919, SharePoint® for Project Management provides the skills to exploit SharePoint Technologies to manage successful projects
• 918, Agile Project Management with Scrum offers the skills to plan, manage and close a software development project in reduced time using Agile practices
• 218, User and System Requirements for Successful Software Development introduces a comprehensive, practical process for the step-by-step definition of organizational and user requirements.
• 299, Microsoft® Project 2007: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction provides practical experience using Microsoft Project.
• 294, Influence Skills: Getting Results Without Direct Authority focuses on behaviors and attitudes that enable you to achieve desired results without relying on the use of authority.
• 3620, Managing Global Projects , provides the knowledge to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication and create an efficient structure to achieve global project success

Other Learning Tree courses that may be of interest include:

• Course 312, Software Quality Assurance: Delivering Consistent Quality
• Course 342, Software Change, Configuration and Release Management
• Course 316, Software Testing Foundation: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction