If you're in the market for a software application and curious whether or not you should have a technical project manager lead the initiative or do it yourself (or have an internal team member with not much experience), this article is for you. In any software development project, effective project management is a critical key to success. A project manager is responsible for overseeing the development process, coordinating the efforts of the development team, and ensuring that the project is delivered on time and within budget.
In this blog post, we'll explore the role of a project manager in software development, and how they help ensure that the project is setup for success.
What is the role of a project manager in software development?
A project manager is responsible for overseeing the development process from end-to-end, coordinating the efforts of the development team, and ensuring that the project is delivered on time and within budget. Some of the specific responsibilities of a project manager in custom software development include:
Defining the project scope
With the help of a Software Architect, the project manager is responsible for defining the scope of the project, including the features and functions that will be included, and any constraints or limitations.
Creating a project plan
The project manager is responsible for creating a project plan that outlines the key tasks and milestones for the project. The project plan should include a timeline, budget, and resources required.
Managing the development process
The project manager is responsible for overseeing the development process and ensuring that the project is on track. This may involve coordinating the efforts of the development team, managing risks and issues, and making adjustments as needed.
Communicating with stakeholders
The project manager is responsible for communicating with stakeholders and keeping them informed about the progress of the project. This may involve presenting status updates and addressing any concerns or questions.
How does a project manager help ensure project success?
A project manager plays a critical role in ensuring that a software development project is a success. Some of the ways that a project manager helps ensure project success include:
Maintaining focus
A project manager helps keep the development team focused on the most important tasks and milestones, and ensures that the project stays on track.
Managing risks and issues
A project manager is responsible for identifying and addressing potential risks and issues that could impact the project. By proactively managing risks and issues, the project manager can help prevent delays and setbacks.
Providing direction
A project manager provides direction and guidance to the development team, helping them stay focused and on track.
Facilitating communication
A project manager helps facilitate communication between the development team and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of the project and what is expected.
How to Bill for Project Management on a Software Development Project?
A project manager should be billed hourly on a software development project because the number of hours required to complete the project can be difficult to predict and can vary from one project to another. A software development project involves a wide range of tasks, such as planning, scheduling, monitoring progress, and coordinating the work of a team of developers. These tasks require a significant investment of time, and the exact amount of time required can be affected by a number of factors, such as the complexity of the project, the size of the team, and the availability of resources. Additionally, unforeseen challenges and changes in scope can also arise during the course of the project, which can further impact the number of hours required. By billing hourly, the project manager can ensure that they are fairly compensated for the time they spend managing the project, regardless of the actual number of hours required.
The percentage of an overall software development project cost that should be allocated to project management can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the experience and skill level of the project manager, and the methodologies and tools used to manage the project.
In general, industry standards suggests that project management can account for around 10-20% of the overall project cost. However, it could be higher or lower depending on the context. For example, on smaller or less complex projects, the project management percentage may be on the lower end of this range, while on larger or more complex projects, it may be higher.
It's important to note that, the final budget allocation for project management depends on the contract and agreement between the parties involved. Some companies and clients may have specific requirements or expectations for project management costs and this should be negotiated and agreed upon before the project begins.
Also, it's important to note that, project management is an investment. A project manager plays an important role in ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Even if the percentage allocated to project management appears high, it can be well worth the investment in order to ensure the overall success of the project.
The role of a project manager in software development is critical to the success of the project. A project manager is responsible for overseeing the development process, coordinating the efforts of the development team, and ensuring that the project is delivered on time and within budget. By maintaining focus, managing risks and issues, providing direction, and facilitating communication, a project manager helps ensure that the project is a success.
All of the technical project managers on the AppEvolve team have senior-level experience and truly understands what it takes to make a software application project a success and take it across the finish line. If you're looking for a software team that knows how to lead software development projects, click here to contact us today, so we can discuss your project in detail.