Project Planning & Management
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Project Management Approach
The TrueTest project's successful execution hinged on a carefully considered and adaptable project management strategy rooted in the Agile/Scrum framework. This iterative approach allowed our team to respond effectively to evolving requirements and challenges throughout the development lifecycle. Our methodology was characterized by short, focused sprint cycles, clearly defined roles within our compact team, the strategic application of collaborative development tools, adherence to a well-defined timeline, and proactive risk mitigation. The following subsections detail the specific components of our operational framework that underpinned the TrueTest development.
Agile/Scrum Development Model
We adopted the Agile/Scrum model for TrueTest, leveraging its iterative nature to ensure flexibility and continuous feedback. This was particularly beneficial for our small, agile team, enabling us to adapt swiftly to evolving requirements and overcome challenges encountered during the project.
Sprint Cycles and Planning
Employing a one-week sprint cadence, commencing each Sunday, our sprint planning process involved:
Visual Task Management: We utilized ClickUp's sprint boards to visualize and manage tasks derived from the product backlog. Tasks were estimated, assigned, and tracked for progress.
Sprint Planning Meetings: At the beginning of each sprint, the team convened online via Microsoft Teams to review prioritized backlog items, define the sprint goal, select tasks for the sprint backlog, and assign responsibilities.
Daily Stand-ups: Brief daily online stand-ups via Microsoft Teams facilitated progress updates, identification of roadblocks, and daily coordination.
Sprint Reviews: Completed work was demonstrated to internal stakeholders during online sprint review meetings at the end of each cycle to gather valuable feedback.
Sprint Retrospectives: Following each review, online retrospective meetings allowed the team to identify areas for process and teamwork improvement for subsequent sprints.
Team Structure and Responsibilities
The TrueTest project was executed by a small team of recent graduates who navigated the complexities of building a significant platform while simultaneously learning professional software development practices. The team structure was as follows:
Zaid Amin Rawfin: As the team lead, Rawfin took on a multifaceted role, spearheading the full-stack development, designing the user interface and user experience, and managing the overall project direction and communication.
Kohinoor Akther Akhi: Frontend Development. Kohinoor was responsible for building the user interface and implementing the client-side functionalities of the TrueTest platform, meticulously following the pixel-perfect modern UI/UX Figma design.
Md Nahid Chowdhury: Backend Development. While initially focused on developing the server-side logic, database interactions, and essential APIs, Nahid unfortunately could not contribute throughout the entire four-month project duration.
It is important to acknowledge that the team's lack of prior professional experience presented unique learning opportunities and challenges throughout the project. The team also benefited significantly from the guidance of:
Mahbubur Rahman (Mentor): Provided invaluable guidance on development methodologies, task approach, and navigating the intricacies of software project development. His mentorship was crucial for the team's learning and progress.
Given the team's size and the unexpected limitation in Nahid's availability, collaboration and mutual support were paramount to the project's success.
Development and Collaboration Tools
Our project leveraged the following key tools:
ClickUp: Served as our primary project management and collaboration platform for task management, progress tracking, and team communication.
Git & GitHub: Facilitated version control, code collaboration, and maintenance of the project's history.
Microsoft Teams: Our primary communication channel for online meetings, daily stand-ups, and general information sharing.
Project Timeline and Planning Resources
The TrueTest project was executed between January 5th, 2025, and April 30th, 2025, utilizing a consistent one-week sprint cycle, resulting in approximately 17 sprints. Our planning and task management were supported by:
ClickUp Project Board: Our dynamic tool for weekly sprint management, where tasks were broken down, assigned, and tracked.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): A comprehensive, hierarchical document outlining all project deliverables and work packages.
Risk Management Strategies
Throughout the TrueTest project, we proactively identified and addressed potential risks, particularly those related to the team's limited professional experience and the reduced availability of a backend developer:
Technical Integration Complexities: Mitigated through early prototyping and continuous testing of language integrations.
Potential for Delays: Addressed through effective task prioritization, clear communication, and ensuring shared understanding of project progress, especially considering the reduced backend development capacity.
Scope Management: Controlled through a well-defined product backlog in ClickUp and careful evaluation of new feature requests.
Lack of Dedicated QA: Mitigated by emphasizing thorough testing by both frontend and backend developers.
Limited Team Experience: Addressed through the guidance of our mentor, Mahbubur Rahman, and a focus on continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the team. The reduced backend capacity further highlighted the importance of Rawfin's multifaceted role.
Our approach emphasized continuous communication and adaptation to challenges, fostering a learning and growth environment throughout the project, particularly in light of the evolving team dynamics.
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