Managing Successful Software Development Projects (Audio CD)

John Rakos
Multi-Media Publications Inc. (2005)
ISBN 1895186471
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (3/07)

Managing a software development project can be extremely complex.  Therefore, the planning stage of the project is critical.  This involves taking a look at the project requirements and determining and clearly defining what the end deliverables look like.  If the project is large, this may also involve breaking it into smaller subprojects or phases.  John Rakos, in “Managing Successful Software Development Projects,” covers some of the main components of project management and tips for being successful in these areas.

The audio lecture touches on tips around staffing, estimating, project plans, and determining resource commitments.  It also covers project structure, documentation, and the importance of work breakdown structures for accurate planning and estimation. 

John Rakos teaches MBA level courses in project management and has published two books on the subject.  Rakos came to the presentation armed with a mass of information and, realizing it impossible to cover everything in 45 minutes, he allowed the lecture to flow according to questions and audience feedback.  He also provided participants with a number of detailed handouts to which he referenced throughout the presentation.  Therefore, the audio version did not provide as effective a presentation as the live version most likely would have.  However, for the commitment required, the audio lecture still provides some helpful tips and reminders – and when it comes to managing a project every little bit helps!

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