Project management is a precision art. As an ancient proverb reads, ‘a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow,’ and project management is all about using excellent strategies to prepare for the ups and downs of software completion. At Brandon Cross, creating bespoke software solutions is at the heart of what we do. Here’s a guide to our philosophy.
What Is Project Management?
Every project has a beginning and an end. Most clients are only aware of these two destinations, which begin with a requirement and end with smoothly functioning software. And that’s how it is supposed to be!
However, the journey in between – the bit that goes on behind the scenes – is very important. Project management involves employing checks, assessments, testing, and experimentation. It also involves careful time and resource planning in order to keep projects on budget and on schedule.
How Does Project Management Work?
There are two main methodologies that software developers use: Waterfall and Agile. Waterfall project management involves rigorously adhering to a pre-agreed set of project rules. Most software project management involves some Waterfall elements. This is because many phases of formal testing are needed in order to ensure that the code is fully robust and fit for purpose.
However, the bespoke nature of software development also means that Agile approaches are often preferred. These allow the designers to be creative and innovative whilst the development process speeds up significantly. Waterfall and Agile each have strengths and weaknesses, and a combination of the two brings out the best in both.
Why Does Strong Project Management Matter?
Strong project management is the difference between success and failure. When it comes to software development, there are basic procedures that must be followed. These include black box testing, which is a blind test that establishes how well the code is working. White box testing takes a little longer, and allows the code to be closely examined, and – if necessary – tweaked. All of this must be scheduled in to a project, and both are needed to guarantee a perfect product.
However, creativity is important. No two software solutions are alike. Strong project management has to take into account the fact that there may be twists and turns in the road.
To navigate these, teams need high levels of coherence and leadership. Leadership training is an important investment for any software development company, and is equally as valuable as having the latest tech. Strong leaders guide strong projects, so that the journey from start to completion is expertly managed.
At Brandon Cross, we believe in transparency and good project management. We work with clients to ensure that their goals are not just achieved but exceeded. You can find out more about project management and secure web-based applications by downloading our useful free guide. Alternatively, simply give Brandon Cross a call on 020 8144 2000 to talk about your current and future project management requirements.
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