This Dialogue introduces key software development, project management, and data analytics practices in German software organizations. Shows how culture impacts the choice of practices and approaches. Uses case studies combined with lectures and workshops. Taught alongside IS3500 (Information System Design & Development) and IS4600 (Software Project Management) for credit with guest lecture by German industry experts and academics. Involves travel to German software organizations and universities.
The courses will feature guest speakers from industry, universities, and government organizations. Trips to historical sites will highlight differences in approaches and Germany’s history which shape it approaches. Trips are planned to Berlin, Regensburg, Salzburg, Dachau, Neuschwanstein, plus local trips to museums, companies, and sites. Contact Martin Schedlebauer with questions M.Schedlbauer@northeastern.edu
COURSES
The courses teach practical skills in software development and project management. They combine theory, skills, and practice alongside cultural elements of software development. Students will learn modern approaches to information systems development, system design, and project management.
Students will learn practical skills while appreciating local differences in software development practices, ethical challenges, and differences in approaches.
Software development is characterized by its development staff. This course will highlight local differences and unique approaches in Germany.
Qualified students can have pre-requisites of IS2000 and CS3500 waived
- IS 3500 – Information System Design and Development : Discusses the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of computer-based information systems, focusing on the methodologies and procedures used in organizational problem solving and systems development. Topics include the systems development life cycle; project management; requirements analysis and specification; feasibility and cost-benefit analysis; logical and physical design; prototyping; and system validation, deployment, and postimplementation review. Additional topics may include platform and database selection and integration issues; CASE tools; end-user training; maintenance; and object-oriented analysis and design.
- IS 4600 – Software Project Management : Covers both technical and managerial aspects of software project management, which is critical to the success of software projects. Emphasizes the differences between traditional software life-cycle models and modern iterative and agile practices. Includes project manager responsibilities, stakeholder management, staffing, resource allocation, estimation, activity scheduling, budget control, quality management, risk assessment, communication, scope control, and project metrics. Introduces standard project management tools combined with control mechanisms including PERT, burndown, and Gantt charts. Examines these methods in the context of standard frameworks, including the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), applicable IEEE Standards, ISO 9001, CMMI, Unified Process, Scrum, and Kanban-driven continuous delivery models.