Extra Credit Study Guide

Chapter 10 – Software Project Management

Vocabulary

Citizen developer (Textbook, Ch. 10): A non‑IT employee who builds applications using approved low‑code/no‑code tools. Example: A manager creating a workflow app with Power Apps.

Low‑code / no‑code (LCNC) environment (Textbook, Ch. 10): Visual development platforms that reduce or eliminate traditional programming. Example: Building apps with drag‑and‑drop tools.

Programming language (Textbook, Ch. 10): A formal language used to write instructions a computer can execute. Example: Python or Java.

Product owner (Textbook, Ch. 10): The role responsible for defining requirements and prioritizing features. Example: Choosing bug fixes over new features.

Feature creep (scope creep) (Textbook, Ch. 10): Uncontrolled addition of requirements during development. Example: Adding new features without extending deadlines.

Compliance (Textbook, Ch. 10): Meeting legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements. Example: Ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Agile methodology (Textbook, Ch. 10): An iterative approach emphasizing flexibility and frequent feedback. Example: Releasing updates every two weeks.

Waterfall methodology (Textbook, Ch. 10): A linear development approach where each phase must be completed before the next. Example: Completing design before coding begins.

Prototype (Textbook, Ch. 10): A mock‑up used to gather feedback before full development. Example: Clickable wireframes.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) (Textbook, Ch. 10): All costs over a system’s lifetime, not just development. Example: Training and support costs.

Triple constraint (Textbook, Ch. 10): The balance between time, cost, and scope in project management. Example: Adding features increases time or cost.

Software development lifecycle (SDLC) (Textbook, Ch. 10): The process of moving from idea to deployed system. Example: Requirements → Design → Testing.

Software development methodologies (Textbook, Ch. 10): Frameworks for managing the SDLC, such as Agile and Waterfall. Example: Choosing Agile for flexibility.

Brooks’ Law (Textbook, Ch. 10): Adding people to a late project makes it later. Example: New hires slowing progress.

Technical debt (Textbook, Ch. 10): Future costs caused by development shortcuts. Example: Messy code delaying future updates.

Requirements (Textbook, Ch. 10): Clear descriptions of what a system must do. Example: “Transfers must complete in under 3 seconds.”

Quiz

Question 1

A non‑IT employee builds an app using a visual tool. This is:

  • A. Professional engineering
  • B. Citizen development
  • C. Waterfall
  • D. Outsourcing
Question 2

Adding features mid‑project without extending time or budget is called:

  • A. Diseconomies of scale
  • B. Feature creep
  • C. Compliance failure
  • D. Poor compilation
Question 3

Insecure handling of healthcare data illustrates:

  • A. Efficiency issues
  • B. Compliance risk
  • C. Scalability limits
  • D. UI problems
Question 4

Frequent releases with ongoing feedback describe:

  • A. Waterfall
  • B. Outsourcing
  • C. Agile
  • D. Traditional PM
Question 5

Why is the product owner critical?

  • A. Developers lack skills
  • B. Users best define business needs
  • C. Testing is unnecessary
  • D. Documentation is reduced

Answer Key

Q1: B
Q2: B
Q3: B
Q4: C
Q5: B

Sources