SDM1 resembles the phase in an IT career in which the project leader takes responsibility for the management of a software development project. Within SDM1 we address the project management aspects of the whole life cycle of a system development project, from definition study through system design, system development and system implementation all the way to the maintenance of a system in an operational environment.

The course consists of a theoretical (2EC) and a (4EC) practical component. The practical component is being carried out within "GiP-House", managing students from the "Software Engineering" course. GiP-House closely resembles a real-life modern software house in which the students of this course perform roles as: Project manager, Quality manager, Contract Owner, Public Relations Manager, Director. These roles can be adjusted depending on the specific situation of a given semester (e.g. number of students). All students work, within the management structure of GiP-House, under the supervision of the director, with the aim to create an effective and efficient software house management structure. The managers use, if necessary, (internal or external) experts.