I have posted a picture of a ship that is used to go from one place to another – something that is very applicable to completing software projects.

Like a ship that has many sailors on board, each with their own roles to be able to complete the journey, a software project is also comprised of many team players with their own roles in being able to complete the project on time, with the defined scope as well as with the resources provided.

Like a ship having to navigate around obstacles like rocks, reefs, etc…software professionals also need to navigate around issues like defects, improper / incomplete requirements, delays, changes to project scope, etc…  Like a ship which is hindered / slowed down due to anchors or wind directions, software teams are also impacted by unknowns related to product quality, poor requirements and technical issues.

Like a ship, if the wind is blowing in our sails, helping to propel the ship forward, having great requirements, proper testing at all levels as well as good collaboration and cooperation between team members also helps to propel software projects.