Question

You have been hired to manage a new software project. The software will make it easy for friends to select a movie to watch by matching their interests with what is showing nearby. Briefly describe the steps in the program development cycle and how you would document them.

Answer 1

Managing a new software project involves a series of structured steps commonly referred to as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Here’s an overview of the key steps in this cycle and how I would document each:

### 1. **Planning**
- **Step Description**: In this phase, the project scope, objectives, resources, timeline, and budget are defined.
- **Documentation**: Create a project charter that outlines project goals, stakeholders, and a feasibility study. A detailed project plan can include Gantt charts and resource allocation.

### 2. **Requirements Analysis**
- **Step Description**: Gather and analyze the requirements of the users and stakeholders to understand what the software should do.
- **Documentation**: Develop a requirements specification document that includes functional requirements (what the software should do) and non-functional requirements (performance, usability).

### 3. **Design**
- **Step Description**: Create the software architecture and design the user interface, databases, and overall system structure.
- **Documentation**: Draft design specifications, including wireframes for user interfaces, data models, system architecture diagrams, and API specifications.

### 4. **Implementation**
- **Step Description**: Write the code according to the designs and specifications prepared in the previous phase.
- **Documentation**: Maintain a development log, version control system, and code comments to provide clarity. Create a build document that describes how to compile and deploy the software.

### 5. **Testing**
- **Step Description**: Test the software to identify and fix bugs, and ensure it meets the specified requirements.
- **Documentation**: Develop and maintain a test plan that outlines test cases, testing strategies, and results documentation (such as bug reports and acceptance criteria). User acceptance testing (UAT) records should also be kept.

### 6. **Deployment**
- **Step Description**: Release the software to the end-users in a production environment.
- **Documentation**: Create a deployment plan that details the steps for releasing the software, including rollback strategies, and prepare user manuals or installation guides for users.

### 7. **Maintenance**
- **Step Description**: Provide ongoing support, monitor software performance, and implement updates or enhancements as needed.
- **Documentation**: Maintain a maintenance log to track bugs, updates, and user feedback. Document version releases and any changes implemented.

### 8. **Evaluation**
- **Step Description**: Assess the project performance and software effectiveness in meeting user needs and project goals.
- **Documentation**: Prepare a project retrospective report that identifies lessons learned, successes and challenges, user satisfaction, and recommendations for future projects.

### Tools for Documentation:
- **Project Management Tools**: Tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana for planning and tracking tasks.
- **Documentation Platforms**: Use Confluence, Google Docs, or similar collaboration tools for shared documentation.
- **Version Control**: Git or similar systems for code documentation and history.
- **Communication Tools**: Maintain a record of communications and decisions (e.g., Slack, email summaries).

By carefully documenting each phase, the project team can ensure clarity, facilitate communication, and create a valuable resource for current and future stakeholders.