VCE Software Development U3O2 Definitions Worksheet: Project reasons and the brief to Needs, requirements, constraints and scope (Modules 12–24)
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
originality
2
task breakdown
3
Sequencing
4
time allocation
5
dependency
6
milestone
7
critical path
8
project log
9
Gantt chart
10
observing
Answer Key
VCE Software Development U3O2 · Modules 12–24 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1originality — How a proposed solution is new or different from existing software, such as unique features, while avoiding copying the work of others.
2task breakdown — Splitting a whole project into small tasks, each with a clear outcome, a time estimate and an order (dependencies), so you can track progress as the work gets done.
3Sequencing — Putting tasks in the order they must happen on a Gantt chart. Tasks that depend on others start after them, while independent tasks can run in parallel (at the same time).
4time allocation — The estimate of how long each task will take, shown on a Gantt chart as the length of its bar. Bars are measured in days or weeks and together set the total project length.
5dependency — A link between two tasks where one cannot start or finish until the other is complete. The first is the predecessor, the next is the successor. Shown on a Gantt chart by an arrow.
6milestone — A marked checkpoint in a project plan, such as a finished prototype, showing a major piece of work is complete by its deadline. Used to check progress.
7critical path — The longest chain of dependent tasks in a project. It sets the shortest possible finish time, and any delay to a task on it delays the whole project. Tasks off it have float.
8project log — A record of each work session: the date, what was done, any problems and the next step. It shows actual progress against the plan and evidences why the plan changed.
9Gantt chart — A bar chart built by listing tasks, estimating durations, ordering them by dependency, then marking milestones and the critical path on a timeline.
10observing — Watching a user do a task to see where they get stuck, without helping or interrupting. You write down what you see instead of just asking them what they think.