MSE 6115 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

 The main objective of this course is to impart the learners a sound knowledge on the management aspects of the software development process in general and software projects in particular. The course in mainly intended for the learner to gain all the knowledge required to manage the most challenging software projects. Though there is no practical component, the module is supplanted with adequate case studies from the relevant software industry. 

2. Learning Outcomes 

A. Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of 

1. Statistics and theories of management at advanced level. 

2. The principles of project management applied in the design and development of computer software. 

3.  The professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of a software project manager. 

4.  The social impact of software engineering activity. 

5. Business and management techniques relevant to software development. 

6. Quality and benchmarks in computer software and software development. 

B. Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills/ Application of Knowledge

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

 1. Select and apply appropriate mathematical methods for modelling software projects.

2.  Critically assess the work done by others. 

3.  Apply management knowledge to produce a commercial risk assessment. 

 C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

 1.  Specify, plan, manage, conduct and report on software development projects. (C1)

2.   Prepare technical reports and deliver technical presentations on software projects. (C2)

3.   Analyse, evaluate and interpret data and apply them to the solution of practical software management problems. (C5)

4.   Use appropriate management software tools and packages appropriate to software development. (C8)

D. General transferable skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

 1.  Carry out independently a sustained investigation and research on software project management. (D3)

2.   Work effectively in a team both as a member or leader in a software project. (D4)

3.   Efficiently manage both time and resources as a project manager. (D5)

4.   Prepare project proposals and deliver project reports. (D6)

5.   Demonstrate general skills in solving problems on software management. (D7)

6.   Use competently all information technology tools and techniques (ICT). (D8)

3.       Indicative Content

• Initiation and Scope Definition
  • determination and negotiation of requirements
  • feasibility analysis
  • process for the review and revision of requirements
• Software Project Planning
  • process planning, determining deliverables, effort, schedule and cost estimation, resource allocation, risk management, quality management, and plan management
  • Estimating development effort and time
  • and Ticketing, version control/ integration systems, captive systems
• Software Project Enactment
  • implementation of plans, supplier contract management, implementation of measurement process, monitor process, control process, and reporting
• Review and Evaluation
  • determining customer satisfaction of requirements and reviewing and evaluating performance
• Closure
  • determining closure and closure activities
• Software Engineering Measurement
  • establishing and sustaining measurement commitment, planning the measurement process, performing the measurement process, and evaluating measurement

4.   Learning and Teaching Strategy

 A course handbook will be provided in advance and this will contain in depth information relating to the course content and give an opportunity to the students to prepare the course. The lecture materials will be posted on the web page that will also contain comprehensive web links for further relevant information. The module will be delivered through lectures, tutorial sessions and group discussions. In addition to the taught element, students will be expected to undertake a range of self-directed learning activities, which will comprise case studies. All supporting documents for the course will be made available on web, as printed copies and also as soft copies.

5.   Assessment Strategy 

Assessment is 100% based on individual assignments and group work.

As this is a Theoretical module:

The Final assessment shall include 60% of continuous and 40% of End of Module assessment.

For Example:

One quiz (10%), one assignment (5%), and one seminar for presentation (Research paper) (20%), one tutorial session (5%), and a short test (20%) followed by final assessment (40%) of End of Module Examination.

6.   Assessment criteria

For the assignment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the expected learning outcomes.