Scheduling

The Scheduling of software projects does not different greatly from scheduling of any multitask engineering effort. Thus, generalized project scheduling techniques and tools can be applied to software with little modification.

(PERT) which is Program evaluation and review technique and (CPM) which is critical path method are 2 project scheduling techniques that can be applied to software development. Both methods are driven through information already developed in earlier project planning activities:

1. Estimates of effort
2. A decomposition of product function
3. The chosen of the appropriate process model
4. The chosen of project type and task set

Interdependencies between tasks may be described using a task network. Tasks are sometimes called the project work breakdown structures that are defined for the product as a whole or for individual functions.

Both CPM and PERT give quantitative tools which allow the software planner to:

(1) to determine the critical path the chain of tasks which determines the duration of the project;

(2) to Establish most likely time estimates for individual tasks through applying statistical models; and

(3)  to Calculate boundary times which describe a time window for a particular task.

The Boundary time calculations are very useful in software    project scheduling.  The Slippage in the design of one function example for can retard further development of another function. Riggs elaborate important boundary times which may be discerned from a CPM or PERT network  

(1) the previous time which a task can starts when all preceding tasks are completed in the shortest possible time;

(2) the current time for task initiation earlier the minimum project completion time is delayed;

(3) the previous finish-the sum of the previous beginning and the task duration

(4) the current finish-the latest beginning time added to task duration and

(5) the gross float the amount of surplus time or leeway allowed in scheduling tasks so that the network critical path is maintained on schedule. The Boundary time calculations lead to a determination of critical path and give the manager with quantitative techniques for evaluating progress as tasks are completed.

Both CPM and PERT have been implemented in a broadly variety of automated tools which are available for virtually every personal computer. As like tools are simple to use and make the scheduling techniques define above available to every software project manager.