Software Project Management Research Articles

SOFTWARE COST EFFORT AND TIME ESTIMATION USING DRAGONFLY WHALE LION OPTIMIZED DEEP NEURAL NETWORK

Effective software development depends on the exact estimation of effort, time, cost, and customer satisfaction. Software project management requires an accurate evaluation of software development's effort, time, and cost, often underestimated or overestimated. So far, methodology has yet to accurately and reliably estimate the cost of software development. To overcome this issue, this paper proposed a constructive rapid application development model based on software cost effort and time estimation approach (CORADMO-based CETA) for accurate software cost estimation. The data requirements, cost drivers, constraints, and priorities are given as input to the fuzzy inference system (FIS). The processed output, such as effort, time, and cost for the nominal plan, shortest schedule plan, and least cost plan, is computed in the FIS. To reduce the effort, time, and cost, the output is optimized by dragonfly whale lion optimization (DWLO), which provides the best-estimated effort, time, and cost as an output for software development. The proposed CORADMO-based CETA model is tested in the NASA 93 dataset using MATLAB. The performance of the CORADMO-based CETA method is measured in terms of Pred (25 %), magnitude of relative error, and mean magnitude of relative error, attaining the values of 80.72 %, 87.94 %, and 98.13 %, respectively. Finally, the CORADMO-based CETA model justifies the suitability of dragonfly whale lion optimization with the proposed fuzzy logic.

Optimizing Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis of Project Management Tools with a Business Case Study of Trello Implementation

This paper provides functionality, usability, and suitability for various business environments of several well- known project management software are all thoroughly compared in this study. This review aims to highlight each tool's advantages and disadvantages while providing useful advice for companies looking to streamline their project management processes. The paper includes a business case study that focuses on the use of Trello in a digital marketingcompany in addition to comparative analysis. The company used Trello to improve its project management skills after encountering difficulties with task tracking, communication, and project deadlines. The installation of Trello is described in depth in the paper, from initial setup and customization to staff acceptance and training, including the incorporation of key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the tool's effectiveness. Task completion rate, project delivery time, customer happiness, teamwork, and campaign success indicators are among the KPIs considered in this study. The results show that task management and teamwork have significantly improved, leading to better project outcomes. Nevertheless, difficulties including early staff reluctance, a learning curve, and Trello's constrained reporting features were also faced and resolved. Ultimately, this paper addresses the challenges and solutions that come up during the implementation process and shows how choosing the appropriate project management tool may change company processes, increase team productivity, and deliver measurable advantages. Keywords: Project Management, stakeholders, Project management tools and techniques (PMTT), Planning Methods, Project scheduling

Implementing agile management practices in the era of digital transformation

In the era of digital transformation, organizations face unprecedented technological changes that demand a shift toward more adaptive and responsive management practices. This paper Analyses how organizations can strategically implement agile management practices to navigate these rapid changes effectively. Agile management emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market dynamics and evolving customer needs. By adopting frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, companies can enhance their management processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The paper explores the fundamental principles of agile management and their relevance in the context of digital transformation. It discusses how cross-functional teams, iterative development, and regular feedback loops can facilitate quicker decision-making and enhance collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, the integration of digital tools, such as project management software and communication platforms, supports agile methodologies by streamlining workflows and improving transparency. Key considerations for successful implementation include aligning agile practices with organizational goals, investing in employee training, and promoting a mindset that embraces change. The paper highlights real-world case studies demonstrating the successful application of agile management in various industries, showcasing its potential to improve responsiveness and operational efficiency. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the critical role of agile management practices in enabling organizations to thrive amidst the challenges of digital transformation

Refining the Scrum Paradigm: A Comprehensive Study of Software Development Practices (2020-2023)

This article presents a complex vision on software production practices aimed at enhancing the Scrum methodology within software project management. The recommended best practices are closely aligned with contemporary trends in the IT sector, including the total digitalization and virtualization of production processes, the transition to fully remote software development models, the incorporation of artificial intelligence technologies, and the implementation of cost-effective models in team organization. The modifications to software production processes discussed herein are grounded in research conducted between 2020 and 2023, encompassing insights from leading Russian, European, and global IT companies. This research underscores a significant transformation in IT business practices, reflecting a shift towards new benchmarks for Scrum team efficiency. These benchmarks emphasize the data-driven formalization of production models, automation facilitated by AI tools, and noticeable cost optimization within engineering teams, which collectively align with the evolving demands of the modern IT landscape. The article details a series of management strategies designed to adapt to these shifts, including the formalization of sprint goals and processes within Scrum, management of technical debt, and the cost-efficient organization of development teams.

Balancing enjoyment and learning in teaching software project management with game-based learning

Despite advancements in project management education, project failures remain common, often due to insufficient experience and skills. Games offer a valuable platform for teaching practical project management skills, allowing players to learn from mistakes without significant economic costs. However, many serious games in this field lack focus on engagement and motivation. The "Software Project Management Game" introduced in this article addresses these issues by incorporating motivational game design principles, drawing inspiration from entertainment games like Game Dev Tycoon and The Sims. The game ensures a smooth flow without unnecessary interruptions, putting players in control. Players progress through five projects of increasing complexity, gradually developing their skills and learning soft skills and task dependencies. This article details the design, implementation, and evaluation of the game, focusing on gameflow, intrinsic motivation, perceived learning, and usability. The results indicate that the game successfully balances enjoyment and learning, making it an effective tool for teaching core project management skills.

Leveraging Technology to Improve and Streamline Operations in the African Construction Sector: A Case-Based Approach

The advent of innovation in tools, materials and techniques has transformed the planning, management and execution of construction projects. Globally, the construction sector has been embracing digital technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce cost and ensure sustainability to overcome challenges and meet evolving demands in the industry. Using a case-based approach, this study shows instances from South Africa of how the construction process is being revolutionised through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to improve and streamline operations. The approach provides an introductory background on how technology has affected construction with an extensive literature review providing clarifications and insights on construction activities, processes and key technological advancements, in addition to highlighting their importance. Findings from the cases revealed that the projects deployed one or more forms of project management software, such as RIB Software, Autodesk Revit, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Procore, and Aconex. It was further found that these deployments enhanced collaboration and communication, improved design coordination and clash detection, and enabled efficient resource allocation and project planning among stakeholders. The study concludes that construction activities play a key role in economic development. Sustainable construction practices would require the adoption and implementation of state-of-the-art technological solutions in the 4th Industrial Revolution that will aid the totality of construction management processes. As evidenced in the various projects, the effectiveness of construction management software in streamlining the construction process is a testament to the critical role of technological advancement as a driver of sustainability.

Framework to improve software effort estimation accuracy using novel ensemble rule

This investigation focuses on refining software effort estimation (SEE) to enhance project outcomes amidst the rapid evolution of the software industry. Accurate estimation is a cornerstone of project success, crucial for avoiding budget overruns and minimizing the risk of project failures. The framework proposed in this article addresses three significant issues that are critical for accurate estimation: dealing with missing or inadequate data, selecting key features, and improving the software effort model. Our proposed framework incorporates three methods: the Novel Incomplete Value Imputation Model (NIVIM), a hybrid model using Correlation-based Feature Selection with a meta-heuristic algorithm (CFS-Meta), and the Heterogeneous Ensemble Model (HEM). The combined framework synergistically enhances the robustness and accuracy of SEE by effectively handling missing data, optimizing feature selection, and integrating diverse predictive models for superior performance across varying project scenarios. The framework significantly reduces imputation and feature selection overhead, while the ensemble approach optimizes model performance through dynamic weighting and meta-learning. This results in lower mean absolute error (MAE) and reduced computational complexity, making it more effective for diverse software datasets. NIVIM is engineered to address incomplete datasets prevalent in SEE. By integrating a synthetic data methodology through a Variational Auto-Encoder (VAE), the model incorporates both contextual relevance and intrinsic project features, significantly enhancing estimation precision. Comparative analyses reveal that NIVIM surpasses existing models such as VAE, GAIN, K-NN, and MICE, achieving statistically significant improvements across six benchmark datasets, with average RMSE improvements ranging from 11.05% to 17.72% and MAE improvements from 9.62% to 21.96%. Our proposed method, CFS-Meta, balances global optimization with local search techniques, substantially enhancing predictive capabilities. The proposed CFS-Meta model was compared to single and hybrid feature selection models to assess its efficiency, demonstrating up to a 25.61% reduction in MSE. Additionally, the proposed CFS-Meta achieves a 10% (MAE) improvement against the hybrid PSO-SA model, an 11.38% (MAE) improvement compared to the Hybrid ABC-SA model, and 12.42% and 12.703% (MAE) improvements compared to the hybrid Tabu-GA and hybrid ACO-COA models, respectively. Our third method proposes an ensemble effort estimation (EEE) model that amalgamates diverse standalone models through a Dynamic Weight Adjustment-stacked combination (DWSC) rule. Tested against international benchmarks and industry datasets, the HEM method has improved the standalone model by an average of 21.8% (Pred()) and the homogeneous ensemble model by 15% (Pred()). This comprehensive methodology underscores our model’s contributions to advancing software project management (SPM) through advanced predictive modeling, setting a new benchmark for software engineering effort estimation.

Hybrid Teaching Design for the "Software Project Management" Course

This paper investigates a hybrid instructional design to improve the educational outcomes of the "Software Project Management" course. Confronted with the challenges of globalization and rapid technological progress, traditional lecture-based teaching has proven inadequate to fulfill the goals of contemporary education. The hybrid teaching model merges online self-directed learning with in-person interactive sessions, facilitating the acquisition and application of knowledge and the enhancement of practical skills through pre-class video instruction, classroom discussions, and case analyses. The educational objectives encompass the transmission and internalization of knowledge, the cultivation of professional ethics, and the improvement of students' comprehensive qualities. The instructional process is meticulously designed to include pre-class self-study, in-class knowledge assessment, case study discussions, practical coursework, and final evaluations. Moreover, the study places a special focus on integrating ideological and political elements within the curriculum to elevate students' ideological and moral qualities.

A Basecamp for Student Group Projects: Analysis of the Use of Project Management Software in the Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Classroom

Integration of project management collaboration software has been suggested for group experiential project courses in advertising, public relations (PR), marketing, and strategic communications. But little research has been conducted on using these tools. This study sought to gauge student perceptions toward the use of project management collaboration software Basecamp on improved experience in group projects, team collaboration, and learning outcomes. A survey of 177 students in seven course sections across two semesters at two universities reveals that most students agree project management and collaboration software is a valuable learning tool. Suggestions for course and program implementation and the self-directed learning model are considered.

Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Knowledge Transfer Among Software Project Managers: A Mixed-Methods Study

Objectives: This study combined qualitative and quantitative sequential exploratory mixed-method approaches to identify the success factors of knowledge transfer effectiveness with software project managers and investigate how these factors impacted knowledge transfer effectiveness. Methods/Analysis: The qualitative research component included twelve senior and junior project managers, while the quantitative component involved a cross-sectional survey of 212 completed responses from software project managers. Findings: The results suggested that two influential factors as knowledge providers and knowledge transfer environment had a significant effect on knowledge transfer effectiveness. Novelty/Improvement: The research results enhance the operational capability of software project supervision and contribute to the improvement of knowledge transfer for software project managers operating in teams. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-06 Full Text: PDF

A socio-technical perspective on software vulnerabilities: A causal analysis

Context:Software development organizations are composed of people working together towards a common goal. These people are connected in networks. The effectiveness of these networks seems like it would be an essential consideration for the effectiveness of the organization as a whole, but does network effectiveness actually matter? Objective:In this paper, we seek to understand whether causal relationships exist between the maintenance effort spent on files implicated in software vulnerabilities and suboptimal social behaviors – social smells – within that project’s developer community. Methods:To gain insight into this question, we chose to study OpenSSL and over 100 of its published vulnerabilities. We performed a socio-technical analysis on OpenSSL to understand whether social smells could be causally linked to the effort to maintain files implicated in vulnerabilities. Results:Our results indicate that this is the case: Social smells are, in fact, causally linked to the maintenance effort surrounding files implicated in software vulnerabilities. Conclusion:This result has significant implications for the management of software projects. These insights may motivate and help to guide project managers and architects to also focus on team communications, and not merely on technical quality measures such as bug rates or feature velocity. Social interactions among a project’s team members matter, and smells can be measured and monitored.

Software Project Management and Their Economic Evaluation in terms of Enterprise Sustainability

Nowadays, we are witnessing that projects, computers and software as an integral part of them infiltrates or rather ruthlessly penetrates all spheres of business and daily life of a modern society and directs enterprise development, efficiency, productivity, competitiveness, image and ultimately in a way their very existence. In recent decades, the software industry and its products have become one of the factors without which the normal operation of contemporary economies cannot be imagined, however, software development often presents almost insurmountable difficulties.The research is related exactly to the analysis of software projects and their impact in the sustainability of enterprises. It is difficult to imagine any enterprise that claims to be competitive, to prepare, realize and monitor their projects without software support, be it standard software or specially developed for the needs of the enterprise, where software development comes into play. During the research combined methods are utilized. The methodology used includes the theoretical analysis which is based on the current literature from this field, followed by "case studies" that deal with the development of software projects in Kosovo by conducting interviews with their IT managers using face to face and semi structured interviews and finally based on gathered data the development of a concrete software project has been simulated. Finally the outcome from research is that always software development has to be identified with the project objectives of the project contractors and aims to meet their requirements and expectations. Software project team’s work for years in the development of complex and professional software projects, where competence in the relevant field as well as motivation play a key role in the development of successful business projects.

Technology integration in project and event management: Empowering women entrepreneurs

This review paper explores the integration of technology in project and event management, focusing on its role in empowering women entrepreneurs. It begins with an introduction that sets the context by highlighting the importance of technology in modern management practices and the need to support women entrepreneurs. The literature review traces the historical evolution of technology in this field, examines current trends, and identifies gaps in existing research. The subsequent section delves into key technologies, such as project management software, event planning platforms, and communication tools, outlining their benefits and challenges. The paper then discusses the barriers women entrepreneurs face and how technology can help overcome them, featuring success stories of women who have leveraged digital tools to excel in their ventures. The final section presents future trends, policy recommendations, and best practices for integrating technology, concluding with reaffirming its critical role in empowering women entrepreneurs. Keywords: Technology Integration, Project Management, Event Management, Women Entrepreneurs, Digital Tools.

Gamification strategy to promote social and human factors in the training of software engineers: A case study

AbstractSoftware Engineering is a discipline frequently reflected in training strategies. This discipline requires certain levels of abstraction to achieve the competencies and skills necessary for the professional development of future software developers. The software industry increasingly demands that professionals in this discipline have social and human skills to achieve highly productive teams. Therefore, these teams should respond to such demands in a world with increasing dependence on technology and the development of software products. Traditional pedagogical strategies often need help adapting to the new generations of software engineers and responding in a limited way to the demands of teaching processes related to this discipline. This article evaluates a gamification‐based strategy designed for the Software Engineering course at a Latin American higher education institution. This course addressed software project management as a training objective. Such a strategy was designed with a gamification‐based model to influence the productivity of software development teams. The results of using the model show its efficiency and usefulness as a guide for implementing new strategies based on gamification that considers social and human factors (SHFs) to intervene in the productivity of software development teams. The challenges designed in the proposal presented managed to promote SHFs in the participants, according to the analysis of the prepared case study. According to these results, the factors considered relate to skills and experience in managing software development projects, motivation, and communication. The activities executed by the participants in the context of the case study strengthened the human side of the team and allowed its growth to achieve its objectives.

Impact of effective schedule management on high-rise building projects

Effective schedule management is a critical factor in the successful execution of high-rise building projects. This paper explores the impact of robust schedule management practices on project performance, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and strategies for optimizing timelines. High-rise construction presents unique complexities, including coordination of multiple trades, strict safety regulations, and logistical challenges related to vertical construction. Utilizing advanced scheduling methodologies such as Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM), combined with traditional techniques like the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), can significantly enhance project efficiency. The integration of these methodologies facilitates better resource allocation, reduces delays, and improves overall project outcomes. The study also addresses the role of technology, including project management software like Primavera P6, in enhancing schedule accuracy and reliability. Additionally, it examines the critical role of project managers in orchestrating these activities and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and risk management. This comprehensive review provides insights into the key factors that contribute to successful schedule management, offering recommendations for future research and practice to further advance the field. Keywords: Building Information Modeling (BIM), Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), High-Rise Building Projects, Project Performance Optimization, Schedule Management.

Enhancing software engineering with visual design and multimedia: An empirical and theoretical exploration

This article delves into the critical role of visual design and multimedia integration within software engineering, emphasizing their significance in enhancing user engagement, comprehension, and collaboration among stakeholders. Through a comprehensive analysis of theoretical frameworks, quantitative research findings, and practical applications, this study elucidates the benefits and challenges associated with embedding visual and multimedia elements in software systems. It presents empirical evidence from controlled studies and case analyses to demonstrate the tangible improvements in software usability, educational efficacy, and project management efficiency. Moreover, the article explores future directions, highlighting emerging technologies and methodologies that promise to further revolutionize the integration of visual design in software engineering. The findings underscore the pivotal role of visual and multimedia elements in bridging communication gaps, fostering collaborative environments, and enhancing the overall software development process.

Impact of Advanced Construction Project Management Software on Project Performance

Impact of Advanced Construction Project Management Software on Project Performance

Particle Swarm Optimization-based Linear Regression for Software Effort Estimation

In the context of software effort estimation, this study investigates the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based Linear Regression to improve estimation accuracy. The main problem faced is the limitations of standard Linear Regression models in accurately estimating the effort required for software development projects. This research aims to improve the quality of estimation of software efforts to optimize resource management and project schedules. The method used was the integration of PSOs in Linear Regression, which was evaluated using three different COCOMO datasets. Experimental results show that LR+PSO models consistently outperform standard Linear Regression with lower MAE, MSE, and RMSE, as well as higher R-squared. In conclusion, integrating PSOs in Linear Regression effectively improves the estimation accuracy of software efforts, demonstrating great potential for improving estimation quality in software project management practices.

Leveraging AHP for Optimal Project Management Software Selection

Leveraging AHP for Optimal Project Management Software Selection

Study on Leveraging Digital Tools for Enhancing Employee Engagement in Remote Work Settings

The global workforce has witnessed a transformative shift towards remote work arrangements, accelerated by advancements in digital technology and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paradigm shift has necessitated a reevaluation of traditional workplace dynamics and a greater emphasis on leveraging digital tools to facilitate remote work. With the traditional office setting no longer the norm, organizations are increasingly turning to virtual collaboration platforms, communication tools, and digital solutions to enable remote work. The rise of remote work presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations. On one hand, it offers employees greater flexibility, reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces, and enables access to a wider talent pool. On the other hand, remote work can lead to feelings of isolation, communication barriers, and challenges in maintaining employee engagement and productivity. Employee engagement is not just about satisfaction with the job; it's about fostering a deep connection at the emotional between employees and their work and the organization they belong to. It encompasses enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment towards organizational goals, reflecting a sense of purpose and belonging within the company. As the modern workplace undergoes a seismic shift towards remote work arrangements, maintaining and nurturing this emotional connection poses a significant challenge. Remote work offers undeniable benefits, including flexibility and cost advantages, yet it also introduces unique hurdles to sustaining employee engagement. One such challenge is the preservation of a strong team spirit across geographically dispersed members. Without the physical proximity of a traditional office, communication can become fragmented, hindering team cohesion and leaving individuals feeling isolated and uninformed. Moreover, the absence of face-to-face interactions can obscure recognition of accomplishments, leading to diminished morale and motivation among remote workers. However, the digital landscape provides an array of tools to address these challenges and cultivate a thriving remote team environment. Communication platforms, such as chat features, video conferencing, and instant messaging, bridge the geographical divide, facilitating seamless interaction and information sharing among team members. Collaboration tools, including project management software and shared documents, foster transparency and teamwork, enabling remote employees to collaborate effectively despite physical separation.