3. PM Role Flashcards
What is a Project Manager?
The person assigned by the performing organisation to lead the team that is responsible for achieving the project objectives.
What is the Project Manager sphere of influence?
- Project team / PPP Managers / Resource Managers
- Sponsors / Governing bodies / Steering committees / PMOs
- Stakeholders / Suppliers / Customers / End users
What communication skills top PM managers are using in projects?
- Developing finely tuned skills using multiple methods (e.g., verbal, written, and nonverbal);
- Creating, maintaining, and adhering to communications plans and schedules;
- Communicating predictably and consistently;
- Seeking to understand the project stakeholders’ communication needs (communication may be the only deliverable that some stakeholders received until the project’s end product or service is completed);
- Making communications concise, clear, complete, simple, relevant, and tailored;
- Including important positive and negative news;
- Incorporating feedback channels; and
- Relationship skills involving the development of extensive networks
How projects that are part of the same program may impact a project?
- Demands on the same resources,
- Priorities of funding,
- Receipt or distribution of deliverables, and
- Alignment of project goals and objectives with those of the organisation.
What are some organisational responsibilities of the project manager?
- Demonstrate the value of project management,
- Increase acceptance of project management in the organisation, and
- Advance the efficacy of the PMO when one exists in the organisation.
What are the possible reports of a project manager?
A project manager may report to a functional manager, a PMO, or a portfolio or program manager.
What industry trends the project manager needs to stay informed about?
- Product and technology development;
- New and changing market niches;
- Standards (e.g., project management, quality management, information security management);
- Technical support tools;
- Economic forces that impact the immediate project;
- Influences affecting the project management discipline; and
- Process improvement and sustainability strategies.
Describe the PMI Talent Triangle
- Technical project management. The knowledge, skills, and behaviours related to specific domains of project, program, and portfolio management. The technical aspects of performing one’s role.
- Leadership. The knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to guide, motivate, and direct a team, to help an organisation achieve its business goals.
- Strategic and business management. The knowledge of and expertise in the industry and organisation that enhances performance and better delivers business outcomes.
What are the top project managers key skills?
• Focus on the critical technical project management elements for each project they manage. This focus is as simple as having the right artefacts readily available. At the top of the list were the following:
o Critical success factors for the project,
o Schedule,
o Selected financial reports, and
o Issue log.
• Tailor both traditional and agile tools, techniques, and methods for each project.
• Make time to plan thoroughly and prioritise diligently.
• Manage project elements, including, but not limited to, schedule, cost, resources, and risks.
What business and strategic factors can affect a project?
- Risk and issues,
- Financial implications,
- Cost versus benefits analysis (e.g., net present value, return on investment), including the various options considered,
- Business value,
- Benefits realisation expectations and strategies, and
- Scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
Define the dimensions of complexity for a project?
- Systems behaviour. The interdependencies of components and systems.
- Human behaviour. The interplay between diverse individuals and groups.
- Ambiguity. Uncertainty of emerging issues and lack of understanding or confusion.
What is the role of a Project Manager?
The project manager is the person ultimately responsible for the outcomes of the project. The project manager is:
• Formally empowered to use organisational resources
• In control of the project
• Authorised to spend the project’s budget
• Authorised to make decisions for the project
What is the role of a Project Coordinator?
In some organisations, project managers do not exist. Instead, these organisations use the role of a project coordinator. The project coordinator is significantly weaker than a project manager. This person may not be allowed to make budget decisions or overall project decisions, but they may have some authority to reassign resources. project coordinators are usually found in weak matric or functional organisations.
What is the role of a Project Expeditor?
The weakest of the 3 project management roles, an expeditor is a staff assistant who has little or no formal authority. This person reports to the executive who ultimately has responsibility for the project. The expeditor’s primary responsibility lies in making sure things arrive on time and that tasks are completed on time. An expeditor is usually found in a functional organisation, and this role may be only part-time in many organisations.
What is the role of a functional manager?
The Functional manager is the departmental manager in most organisational structures, such as the manager of engineering, director of marketing, or information technology manager. The functional manager usually ‘owns’ the resources that are loaned to the project, and has human resources responsibilities for them. Additionally, he or she may be asked to approve the overall project plan. Functional managers can be a rich source of expertise and information available to the project manager and can make a valuable contribution to the project. Be aware that functional managers are the most likely persons with whom project managers experience conflict on a project.
