I bet many of you were in such situations in the past.
I'm currently working on huge ASP.NET web project. Ad management system of some kind. My boss doesn't want to get more professionals to help me but gives me inexperienced staff that don't even know to program on ASP.NET and think it is an easy task. I deal with programming and design
What advices do you have to handle the boss ?
What tools can help me to ease with this task ( except usage of this very website )?
Thanks
I would hope good source control is something you already haev on your list but I think its always the best thing for any big project. Keeps your code safe and has the added advantage of allowing easy review of what your team are checking in if you feel the need for oversight.
Other than that just make sure you give your boss a realistic understanding of the time taken for various tasks and if he complains make it clear that your team needs more training if he wants stuff done faster.
P.S. [Edit: removed as no longer relevant]
Perhaps you can convince him to distribute some (technical...) parts of the project to RentAcoder.com or getAfreelancer.com? It will be cheaper than getting more manpower..
Use a decent workitem/bugtracking system. This won't turn your 'inexperienced devs' into experts but at least you'll be able to see what progress they are making(or not making as the case may be)
What advices do you have to handle the boss ?
First make sure you have a good analysis document and that you have for every dependency a spoc (single point of contact). Make sure the people who you're making this application for are integrated into the process. I suggest using something like scrum but certainly daily standup meetings.
Use a good system to follow up on everyone like for example TFS2010 which has also testing capabilities integrated so your testing team can be better integrated.
Have a bug tracking tool and source safe handy. Continuous integration is also an asset.
but gives me inexperienced staff that don't even know to program on ASP.NET
It's your boss intention to upgrade his people to a level where they are capable of programming ASP.NET applications in the end. What way to better learn it than hands on experience from a dedicated professional like you?
Be aware: you're dealing with people now, not just code. They get sick, have their strenghts and weaknesses just like you. And believe me, it can be a challenge sometimes to deal with the human part of a project. Especially when there's pressure due to release dates.
You could ask him for a raise from getting rid of the people who are not helpful. that might actually save him money and make your time more worthwhile.