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CMPUT 401: Software Process and Product Management

At a glance

  • Units: 3
  • Prerequisites: CMPUT 301.
  • Offered: Now: Fall 2026; Scheduled: Winter 2027
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Workload: Moderate

All phases of software development are reviewed from a process perspective. Best practices in software project and product development and management are introduced. Architectural and technological impacts on management. Group projects require specification and initial design or redesign of a software system. Credit may be obtained in only one of CMPUT 401, BTM 419, or MIS 419.

Official catalogue entry ยท facts synced 2026-10-01

What Students Say

Imported from the original course reviews page, which mixed student contributions with summarized Reddit discussion. Tips aren't term-stamped yet; if you've taken this course recently, add your experience.

Software development lifecycle, project management, agile, product thinking. More conceptual than 301. Exams are typically manageable; the course leans on readings and projects.

"When I did 401 last fall, the final exam was a take-home written and you had ALL DAY to work on it. The exam itself was not hard at all; mainly some questions asking about terminology and your experience with these terminologies during your project."

Instructor notes: - Mark Polak: students describe him as approachable and easy to talk to. Some students report that his industry connections helped with referrals.

Student tips: - Pairs surprisingly well with 379; they're both manageable in workload terms and cover different enough material that studying doesn't interfere. - The exam weight is usually low (many versions are take-home or project-based). Focus energy on the project. - Expect a lot of meetings. Manage your time carefully: most teams meet TAs at least twice per week (sometimes three times), and you also need regular stakeholder meetings to keep requirements aligned. - Projects are for real stakeholders, and your experience can vary a lot by stakeholder type (startups, established companies, charities, or individual clients).