Computer Science
Grade 7
20 min
Project Planning
Project Planning
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Decompose a large programming project into smaller, manageable sub-tasks.
Estimate the time required for individual tasks and the total project.
Identify and manage dependencies between different project tasks.
Create a simple project timeline to visualize the schedule.
Define 'scope creep' and apply a prioritization method to manage it.
Identify potential risks in a project and brainstorm simple mitigation strategies.
Ever started a big coding project and felt totally lost in a maze of tasks? 🤯 What if you had a secret map to guide you from start to finish?
This lesson is your secret map! We'll learn advanced project planning techniques to break down big ideas, estimate time, and handle surprises. Mastering these skills will make your co...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DecompositionBreaking down a big, complex problem or project into smaller, simpler, and more manageable parts.Instead of a single task 'Build a Game,' you decompose it into 'Design Character,' 'Code Player Movement,' 'Create Level 1,' and 'Add Sound Effects.'
Task DependencyWhen one task cannot start until another task is finished.You can't 'Test the Game' until you have finished 'Code Player Movement.' The testing task depends on the coding task.
MilestoneAn important checkpoint or goal in a project timeline that shows you've completed a major part of the work.In a website project, a milestone could be 'Homepage Design Complete' or 'User Login Functionality Working.'...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Pattern
Project -> Phases -> Tasks -> Sub-tasks
Use this pattern to decompose your project. Start with the main goal, break it into big phases (like Design, Coding, Testing), then break those phases into specific tasks, and if needed, break tasks into even smaller sub-tasks.
The Critical Path Method (Simplified)
Identify the longest chain of dependent tasks. The total time for this chain is the minimum time your project will take.
To find the fastest you can finish a project, map out all your task dependencies. Find the longest path of tasks that must be done one after another. Any delay on this 'critical path' will delay the whole project.
The MoSCoW Prioritization Method
Categorize features into Must-have, Should-...
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Challenging
You're planning a simple Quiz App. The tasks are: Design UI (2 hrs). Create Questions (3 hrs). Code Quiz Logic (4 hrs, depends on Design UI). Code Score Screen (2 hrs, depends on Code Quiz Logic). You can create questions while the UI is being designed. What is the critical path duration?
A.5 hours
B.7 hours
C.9 hours
D.8 hours
Challenging
A team is building a simple drawing app. The original plan was to allow drawing with a black line. During development, the team adds color options, then different brush sizes, then an 'undo' button, and then layers. They are now far behind schedule. What is the root cause of their problem and the best corrective action?
A.Root Cause: Poor programming skills. Action: Take a coding class.
B.Root Cause: Uncontrolled scope creep. Action: Use MoSCoW to re-prioritize and move new features to a 'Version 2' list.
C.Root Cause: Ignoring dependencies. Action: Create a Gantt chart.
D.Root Cause: Forgetting to test. Action: Add a 5-hour testing task to the end of the project.
Challenging
You are planning a 'Pet Care' app. The core function is to schedule feeding times. A proposed feature is to track the pet's weight over time. How would you BEST classify and justify this feature using the MoSCoW method?
A.Must-have, because tracking weight is essential for pet health.
B.Won't-have, because it is too complicated to build.
C.Could-have, because it's a minor feature that is not related to scheduling.
D.Should-have, because while not essential for scheduling, it's a very important related feature for pet care.
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