Have you ever wondered how websites are made? Have you ever thought about hiring the web development company with proactive and flexible project management approach? In this article, we will focus on web development project management and also look at the different approaches used when it comes to web development, including the Agile approach to systems development.
You often hear people talk about the effectiveness of management for any type of project. You can define a project as a unique continuous task usually undertaken to achieve certain goals set within a given time frame, costs and other limitations. But, what are the key components of project management for the development? About the results, you can have a successful project if the goals that set were achieved due to the instructions that were laid out initially. Also, if the project was done within the agreed timeframe, under the detailed budget, you will come with great results. To run a smooth program, the project manager must be involved, or a team to whom everyone was participating in the assignment should be reporting to. He is responsible for every operation taking place within the project.
Different Approaches to Project Management
Below are some approaches often used in project management.
Agile Project Methodology
This is among the recognized methods used in project management. It is usually a good choice for an accumulative kind of project. This methodology involves a mechanism whereby the progression of the project depends on the chosen groups working together with the clients.
This methodology was initially made to assist in developing software systems as a way of making up for the inadequacies that the waterfall method had. Having sealed the loophole left by the waterfall approach, i.e., it lacked the flexibility to be able to change the project design, made this the most efficient methodology hence the popularity among different organizations.
It is the most popular project management approach that helps to break work into small parts, test each stage and provide flexibility in the development process. Project managers work with a team directly, providing constant communication, update information regarding all the steps of delivering the project from the beginning till the end. This approach helps to learn when and how the team is going through tasks. That is why the team works with a more focused and qualitative approach.
Scrum
This is also another approach used in managing projects. It comprises 5 core aspects. These are; focus, respect, commitment, courage, and openness. The main aim of using this particular approach is always focused on developing, delivering and sustaining complex tasks through continuous progress, accountability, and collaboration.
The Scrum methodology is different from the Agile approach by the way it works with certain production programs, roles, and activities set for the project.
Waterfall
If you read more on the traditional approaches used in project management, then most certainly you will find out this methodology. It follows a linear and straight design structure where the progress is unidirectional and only flows downwards.
The waterfall was originated from the construction and manufacturing industries. However, because of the tools involved, this methodology became more expensive hence lacking flexibility regarding changing the design structure during the initial stages of the project.
This saw the introduction of an agile approach, to deal with design issues, less customer feedback and probably a delayed testing time.
Lean
Another project management approach that promotes the maximization of customer value and minimizing the waste is lean. The approach is aimed at utilizing a few resources to increase client value. It originated from the Japanese manufacturing industry and works on the principle that quality should improve, waste removed and reducing both the cost and time.
Lean is also used for startups. The Lean Startup methodology was created by Eric Ries in 2008. It became an essential guide for startup founders and those who want to develop innovative products without losing a significant amount of investments. The idea lies in the creation of MVP – minimal viable product, testing the interest level from the early adopters and possible outcome on the market after you launch it.
Technical Project Management
From the definitions we’ve seen above, you can describe technical project management as the act of managing or overseeing projects that need web development or just technology initiative involved from the concept stage and sustaining it all through until a concrete outcome is archived.
To do this, the project targets must first be clearly set followed by a well-defined scope put in place before the project starts.
Web Development Project Management Process
You might probably be thinking the main thing towards developing a website involves coding alone, right? Well, coding is just part of it. However, there is a certain procedure that is always followed towards ensuring a successful project.
This is usually known as the website development life cycle with steps usually varying from 6 to 8 but usually the same thing. Below are the seven main steps:
- Gathering the requirements
- Planning
- Designing
- Development
- Testing and Review
- Deployment
- Maintenance
But that’s not all. To control the development process, give additional tasks and get feedback from the client, there should be a set of project management tools to work effectively.
Web Project Management Tools
Web development is an industry that requires a lot of interaction or collaboration thus it requires a good project manager with great project management skills. Well, the manager should also be able to keep his team together by organizing everything and making sure no one is left behind. This is why project management tools are important to control the workflow. They increase the interaction level within the team and a client thus improving the collaboration among all the members.
Web Project Management Software
Project management software is also a part of the project management tools. It is mostly used to bring some ease to the workflow by improving communication between the team members and the managers. Below are some that can help you with web development management.
Jira
This is an issue tracking software. Jira can be used when tracking errors in a project and also a good tool for Agile methodology.
Slack
Slack is another software used for managing projects and focusing mostly on improving collaboration among the team. It is a great messenger and communication channel.
Github
Have you ever heard about a version control system called Git? Well, Github is the software responsible for offering all the management functionalities of the version control system, Git.
Zeplin
Zeplin is a sketching tool. It’s an important software especially when it comes sketching up the designs to be implemented in the project.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustator is a graphics editor software that can usually be used for creating mockups or designs during a web development project.
All these tools are important because, in one way or another, they help to facilitate the development of the project by increasing the level of interaction. This results in easy workflow within the team.