PHP Master | PHP Project Management

Core points

• Expected management is crucial: Clearly communicate project goals, expected benefits and resource allocation, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure that all stakeholders are in a consistent manner.
• Iterative agile models are more effective: Compared with traditional waterfall models, iterative agile models are more suitable for technical projects, allowing regular testing and adjustments to more accurately reflect project progress and potential problems.
• Avoid scope spread: Clarify the scope of the project, avoid the continuous expansion of demand, and actively participate in iterative testing.
• Take careless elements and new technologies: They may require additional time and resources to estimate potential risks in advance.

Whether we are happy to admit it or not, unless it is amateur projects purely for entertainment, even the most experienced programmers are actually project managers who can write code. And as project managers, we all may experience the pain of project failure. There are many reasons for project failure: missed deadlines, overspending of budgets, unsatisfactory results, and more. But it may also fail emotionally; the project may succeed, but people’s expectations are not satisfied, there is no sense of accomplishment or satisfaction of “work done”. So, as a technical project manager, what can you do to minimize the possibility of adding a “failed project leader” to your resume? The answer is: roughly the same as non-technical project leaders do.

Expected management

Reality is important, but in business, people think that what is happening is always more important than what actually happens, and so is the project. Even the most successful projects can be shadowed by the failure of expectations, shading the excellent work done and the benefits gained. If the expected failure is severe enough, it may even destroy other projects that were otherwise going well. So, how to manage expectations? First, make sure everyone is very clear about the project’s goals, expected benefits, user needs, resources required, dependencies between projects, and the functions that the project will achieve. I know I repeated the last point, but it really matters! Many times, users hear what they want to hear, and not just a memo or a brief conversation can solve the problem. Pay special attention to the evaluation of projects by senior management. Whether at the beginning of the project or later stages, any false statements should be quickly corrected to avoid becoming a generally accepted view and "being within the scope of the project from the beginning". Part. At the same time, deal with any negative comments you hear about the project quickly and politely. This is not about suppressing rebellious remarks (although it is a good idea to write down the name, you know, for later use), but to figure out if it is a misunderstanding, a false statement of fact, or if it may become a future later The problem should be dealt with immediately by modifying the project specifications or reexamining the basic assumptions.

Abandon the tradition and adopt the iterative method

In a traditional waterfall project, you develop a project plan from start to finish and give a total time and budget estimate. Don't do this. Instead, using an iterative agile project model, each step ends with an easy-to-test, highly visible product that people can measure their expectations based on. Despite the similarities between the two, technical projects are different from building bridges. The main unknown factor in building bridges is the soil properties of the foundation. Once this is evaluated, a lot of uncertainty is eliminated. Technical projects may have more variables, but they are spread throughout the life of the project and you will never really reach (perhaps) the point that all of these variables are known. The waterfall model is based on the fact that unknown factors will be evaluated and compensated during implementation. Technical projects don't always seem to work like this for a variety of reasons, so the Waterfall model is a bad model. However, the main problem with the Waterfall model is that it is committed to focusing on some almost final "test" phase. It is not intended to support situations where testing begins from day one. Therefore, problems, even major issues, are not discovered until the project is almost completed. On the other hand, the core of the agile method is iterating: work for two weeks, produce something real, let the user test it, and then repeat. There are no PowerPoint presentations or marathon team meetings, only things people can log in and try out. That's what attracts their attention, you know. While using the agile method, I also recommend using Scrum. They don't have to be used at the same time, but I think it's a good idea. Do you know what people like? They like things that are short; it starts, it happens, it ends. That's it. That's the essence of Scrum - frequent, very brief, project team meetings that don't have time to relax or shit, we talked quickly straightforwardly. It prevents anyone from forgetting about the project and its progress and does not take up too much time of their day. What good will all of this do you? Agile and Scrum allow you to have a clearer understanding of your progress in overall project estimation. By performing rigorous user testing regularly, you can get ahead of time what might need to be added to the application and what can be deleted. If there are major issues, you can start redesigning at the early stages of the process. This allows you to be proactive, which is like having a beautiful hairstyle; it always brings benefits and puts the project on the positive side.

Hazards of spreading range

Most projects fail due to scope spread. The spread of scope has resulted in project delays, budget overspending and failure to meet the expectations of target users. So, don't let this happen. Although this is easier said than done. The most common form of scope spread is when someone makes a point and starts with “but we wanted that from the beginning.” They may be honest; they may really think that function X will perform function Y, and in fact, that is the main reason why the project exists. So, because it should be in the app from the beginning, you add it in. Sometimes, this effect is trivial, but most of the time it is not. This can not only happen at some point in the life cycle of the project, but it can happen repeatedly. So what should you do? First, you have to keep your diplomatic skills anyway. You may want to jump over the table and grab someone’s throat, but you have to keep calm and balance your power on your side. Go back to your initial project statement and show that the request has never been discussed, let alone been identified as an integral part of the application (that is why it is crucial to require very clear and detailed project statements). Second, to limit the number of times the range spreads, you should make sure your users are doing iterative testing well. The scope spread is most destructive in the late stages of development, as a large number of transformations that are almost impossible for users to see. Iterative testing, rather than just talking about the progress of the project, is a better way to let users understand the system's capabilities. Ultimately, the problem is twofold. First, you may not be detailed or specific enough about what the application will do and what it does not do; both aspects need to be explained in detail. Second, you have to remember that your users may not pay 100% attention when you speak or read what you write (even if they are in a meeting to specifically discuss what the app should do). Don't expect that because you make it clear, people will know. A good way is to make your plan and then have them tell you what they think the system will do and what they can expect. Record meetings – You can use it at trial. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the spread of scope. The best you can do is try to prevent it and when it comes out, try your best to stop it. Ultimately, you will most likely have to do what the user wants, but don't just do it; use it as a supplement to your project. Detail the steps required to perform, the time required, and the impact on everything else, and then get approval from the user base to confirm that they do want to do so.

Pay attention to strange things

Pay attention to strange things. I'm not referring to strange needs, but something that might be new to your team or your environment. For example, if you are building an application that accepts credit card data, do you really understand PCI? Or maybe you'll switch from CodeIgniter to Laravel. You will need some extra time (even beyond the normal range). Pay attention to the things that may trip you up.

Summary

The most important thing is: Project management is a game you can't win. If you are far below budget and time, everyone will think you are a sandbag and will no longer believe your estimates. Pay attention to important things. Be specific, be friendly, be agile, and look forward to the best results. Pictures from Fotolia

Frequently Asked Questions about PHP Project Management

What are the key features of PHP project management tools?

When selecting PHP project management tools, you should consider functions such as task management, time tracking, file sharing and collaboration tools. The tool should also have a user-friendly interface and can be customized to your specific project needs. Also, consider whether the tool is integrated with other software you use, such as an email client or calendar application. Finally, consider the security features of the tool to ensure your project data is protected.

How does PHP project management tool improve team collaboration?

PHP project management tools can significantly enhance team collaboration by providing a central platform that allows team members to communicate, share files and track project progress. These tools often include features such as task assignment, deadline tracking, and real-time updates, which help keep everyone in a consistent pace and ensure tasks are completed on time.

Is there any open source PHP project management tool available?

Yes, there are several open source PHP project management tools available. If you are on a tight budget or want to customize tools to suit your specific project needs, these tools may be a great option. Some popular open source PHP project management tools include Rukovoditel, ProjectLibre, and Taiga.

How to build a project management application from scratch using PHP?

Building a project management application from scratch with PHP involves multiple steps. First, you need to design the architecture of your application, including its database structure and user interface. Next, you need to write PHP code to implement the functionality of your application. This may include features such as task management, file sharing, and team collaboration. Finally, you need to test the application to make sure it works as expected.

What are some best practices for using PHP project management tools?

Some best practices with PHP project management tools include setting clear project goals, regularly updating project status, and encouraging teamwork. It is also important to make full use of the functionality of the tool. For example, use the task management feature to assign tasks to team members and track their progress. Use the file sharing feature to ensure everyone has access to the latest project documents.

Can I use PHP project management tools for remote teams?

Yes, PHP project management tools are perfect for remote teams. These tools provide a central platform where team members can communicate, share files and track project progress regardless of their actual location. Many of these tools also offer mobile applications that allow team members to access project information anytime, anywhere.

How is the security performance of PHP project management tools?

The security performance of PHP project management tools varies by the tool itself and the security measures implemented. However, most reputable tools place great emphasis on security and offer features such as data encryption, user authentication, and regular security updates.

Can I integrate other software with my PHP project management tools?

Yes, many PHP project management tools are integrated with other software. This can help simplify your workflow by allowing you to access all project information in one place. Common integrations include email clients, calendar applications, and file storage services.

What are the benefits of using PHP project management tools?

Using PHP project management tools can provide a variety of benefits, including improved team collaboration, better project organization and increased productivity. These tools can also help you track project progress and ensure tasks are completed on time.

How to choose the best PHP project management tool for my needs?

When selecting PHP project management tools, consider your specific project requirements and the features of the tool. Find a tool that provides the features you need, such as task management, file sharing, and team collaboration. Also consider the user interface, security features, and integration options of the tool. Finally, consider the pricing structure of your budget and tools.

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