Introduction to project management
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can define the term project management and investigate different methods for project management.
Key learning points
- Project management will decide the success or failure of a project.
- The waterfall method is a linear, sequential approach: each phase must be completed before the next one begins.
- The agile method of project management is the opposite of the waterfall method.
- In the agile method, smaller parts of the project are completed in priority order before quickly moving on to the next.
- The hybrid approach combines the best of both the waterfall and agile methods.
Keywords
Waterfall - a linear, sequential approach: each phase must be completed before the next one begins
Agile - smaller parts of the project are completed in priority order before quickly moving on to the next (the opposite of the waterfall method)
Hybrid - starts like the waterfall method by analysing the requirements of the project, then uses the flexibility of the agile method focusing on sprints until the project is complete
Critical path - identifying the component parts of a project and assigning priority to each part
Common misconception
Project management will not alter the outcome of a project or make it a success.
Project management will not guarantee success of a project, but effective project management will increase the likelihood of a project being successful.
Teacher tip
Task B introduces a number of scenarios. You may wish to group the class into smaller groups and assign a scenario to each group. Each group could then feed back their suggestion to the rest of the class.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do you call the people who work together on a project?
Q2.Which of the following is a benefit of working in a team on a project?
Q3.When planning a project, what is usually the first step?
Q4.Why is it important to set deadlines during a project?
Q5.Place these steps in the correct order for starting a school project:
Q6.Match each example to the correct project skill:
communication
organisation
monitoring
support
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of project management?
Q2.Put these steps of the waterfall method in the correct order:
Q3.Which method focuses on completing smaller parts in order of priority?
Q4.Arrange these actions for using the agile method:
Q5.Match each methodology to its description:
linear, sequential approach
small parts completed in priority order
combines structure and flexibility
prioritises tasks and their order
Q6.Which project management methodology did not originate from software development?
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Introduction to project management, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Introduction to project management, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computing lessons from the Using IT in project management unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.