Real-world project management in the academic environment

Instructors of many team-based project courses commonly focus on technical aspects such as experimenting with the best software development methods, developing processes that improve important software factors like reliability, usability, and maintainability, and researching software tools that enhance a team's productivity. This paper describes the management aspect of teaching two team-based project courses over the course of a two academic year period. We summarize practical ways of managing teams, explain procedures used to evaluate students, and describe ways of simulating a company environment in the classroom. Issues and solutions found in our classroom management process will aid future instructors in organizing, managing, and teaching similar upper-level undergraduate courses. As a result of taking these courses, students feel more confident in team projects and are ready to assume more responsibility within a team environment.