ABSTRACT
Overview In this chapter we will discuss project management methods that are useful in managing highly complicated information technology (IT) projects. In this context, one well-known project management method is the IBM® Rational Unified Process (RUP). In Chapter 2 we will discuss Agile Project Management (APM) with scrum and Extreme Programming (EP). These project management methods can be applied to effectively manage any software project. They are useful in smaller projects, and within more structured projects they facilitate the deployment of project management methods such as RUP. IT project management and software design have also greatly benefited from the application of APM. For example, APM uses Lean principles such as a strong customer focus, small and highly trained work groups, and frequent feedback between the design group and key stakeholders. These management practices result in higher quality software products and reduced cycle time from product concept to market deployment and commercialization. As we move through this book, we will focus on the three perspectives that were discussed in the preface: management of software projects, the efficient design and deployment of software, and their synergistic application to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Lean systems using IT.
