Problem 1
Explain why the intangibility of software systems poses special problems for software project management.
Problem 5
Fixed-price contracts, where the contractor bids a fixed price to complete a system development, may be used to move project risk from client to contractor. If anything goes wrong, the contractor has to pay. Suggest how the use of such contracts may increase the likelihood that product risks will arise.
Problem 6
Explain why keeping all members of a group informed about progress and technical decisions in a project can improve group cohesiveness.
Problem 7
What problems do you think might arise in extreme programming teams where many management decisions are devolved to the team members?
Problem 8
Write a case study in the style used here to illustrate the importance of communications in a project team. Assume that some team members work remotely and it is not possible to get the whole team together at short notice.
Problem 9
You are asked by your manager to deliver software to a schedule that you know can only be met by asking your project team to work unpaid overtime. All team members have young children. Discuss whether you should accept this demand from your manager or whether you should persuade your team to give their time to the organization rather than to their families. What factors might be significant in your decision?
Problem 10
As a programmer, you are offered promotion to a project management position but you feel that you can make a more effective contribution in a technical rather than a managerial role. Discuss whether you should accept the promotion.
