A basic issue in software project management is whether the process or the project is the essential feature managed. In process-oriented management the management of the small tasks in the software life cycle is emphasized.
There are four important functions that are intrinsic to the technical management of a software development. These function are change management, risk containment, cost and schedule control, and issue resolution. The success or failure of a software development depends on how well these four functions are handled by the development team and its management.