Do You Need Project Managers?

Have you ever been in situations where you have had to explain what a project manager does? Here is a simple explanation of what good ones focus on ...

• Project Planning and Scope Definition
• Task Planning and Sequencing and Management
• Business Liaison
• Team Leadership
• Conflict Management and Issue Escalation
• Strong Communications Skills
• Scope Management
• Resource Planning and Management
• Developing and Managing Schedules
• Developing and Managing Project Budgets
• Time Estimating
• Cost Estimating
• Managing Quality
• Managing and Analyzing Risks and Issues

In situations where project management isn’t embraced or recognized as a core skill set, people often think anyone can run a project. I have seen cases at companies that I have worked for in the past where administrative assistants were put in charge of running large-scale company projects. I know one manager that said their assistant was "great at managing to-do lists and would make a great project manager".

Business analysts are often tagged to run projects. It isn’t unusual to see ads for project manager/business analyst roles in companies. I think this misunderstanding and undervaluing the role of project management contributes greatly to missed deadlines and poorly implemented projects. Project success greatly influences and shapes the image of IT.

I would almost always select a professional project manager to run strategic projects, especially those that can have a significant impact on your firm. When you deviate from project managers and ask other to run projects, make sure you understand the risks and implications of this decision. I recognize that there are times when you have to ask a non-project manager to take on a project…When I do this, the projects are typically very straight-forward and have little risk, simple resource management needs, narrow scope, and short time-lines. Budget realities and market pressures typically drive these situations.

Last month I blogged about the importance of PMO’s … Project managers are central to successful projects and this function. Nothing shapes IT’s reputation more than projects do. Successful project execution gives IT more clout and helps drive business results.

For more in-depth information , contact Northfield Technology for a consulation.