Project Management & Estimation; A Practical Approach, not a “Wiz kid” One

Project Management & Estimation; A Practical Approach, not a “Wiz kid” One
Charles Schiano
Manager Systems Development
NYS/MTA LIRR

Introduction:

Software estimation has been a problem for a long time. Most systems developed today have costs and schedule over-runs, some of tremendous proportions as to be cancelled after spending millions. Noted authors have written many approaches to estimate the software development process, but the industry still has a problem in estimating the process.

The paper and presentation will discuss a reasonable & practical approach to the estimation process and how to manage resources assigned to the project.

Learning Objectives:

Differentiating different types of software to be developed
How to organized the process
Alignment with Project Plans
The support efforts (management, documentation, testing, etc)
Resource tracking
Needs for a software development methodology
90% complete, what does that really mean?
Common roadblocks to success

Biography:

Mr. Charles Schiano has over 35 years of experience developing software systems for various governmental agencies. He was a Senior Program Manager at Grumman Data Systems, a defense contractor and systems integrator, from 1965 to 1995, leaving after the acquisition by Northrop. Since leaving Northrop Grumman in 1995 he has applied his IT development and implementation knowledge to the “non Federal” systems marketplace, first to Police and Fire Departments and now at a NYS governmental agency modifying systems based upon 3 rd party COTS that assist in the day to day operations of the business.

Mr. Charles Schiano has authored over 15 technical papers concerning software systems and how they were utilized to increase worker productivity. He has been a member and officer of several professional IT organizations. He has chaired technical sessions at conferences and has participated in many panel discussions.

Mr. Charles Schiano has BS in Mathematics from Adelphi University and a MS in Industrial Management from New York Polytechnic Institute. He is an active member in the Program Management Institute (PMI) and was recognized by Computerworld as one of the 2005's Premier 100 IT Leaders.