Project management tools in software development

Abstract

Project management tools play a critical role in modern software development. They boost the efficiency of planning, executing and delivering software projects. Some tools support software development related methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall and DevOps by facilitating task tracking, team collaboration and workflow automation. However, the tools effectiveness depends on their alignment with project requirements, team dynamics and organizational processes. This thesis evaluates three widely used project management tools: GitLab, Jira and Microsoft Project. A survey was also conducted with 110 industry professionals to gain more information about tool use. This thesis examines the tools’ strengths and limitations in a simulated software project and addresses key questions about their necessity, benefits and suitability for various project types. The findings reveal that there is no single optimal tool. The most suitable tool depends on factors such as methodology, team size, and integration needs. GitLab, Microsoft Project and Jira all offer different strengths and weaknesses. This thesis concludes that effective project management requires a contextualized approach, with tools selected based on suitability rather than perceived superiority. It also emphasizes the growing importance of automation, AI integration and hybrid tool ecosystems in boosting productivity. By offering practical guidance on tool selection and optimization, this thesis aims to help teams and organizations enhance their software development workflows.