The Incredible Shrinking Project Manager

Home  >  Articles  > 
The Incredible Shrinking Project Manager

Jerry Manas, PMP

March 1, 2010






“We don’t need no stinkin’ project manager!” That’s the phrase I hear sometimes from software developers. They view project managers as getting in the way and serving as “glorified secretaries” (no offense to those hard-working administrative assistants out there).
 
Generally, I respond by educating them on the typical benefits of a good project manager, such as the following 10 frequently cited benefits:
 
1.     Clarifying goals
2.     Resolving barriers and issues
3.     Managing stakeholder expectations and needs
4.     Managing the schedule and budget
5.     Ensuring clear requirements
6.     Anticipating and managing risks
7.     Managing scope changes
8.     Communicating milestones and status
9.     Making presentations
10. Being accountable and facilitating the overall project direction
 
When it comes to traditional projects, certainly an effective project manager who does these things well clearly adds value in improving predictability, perception and the likelihood of success.



Please login/register to read the entire article.





sponsored announcements and special offers
Build and deploy interactive reports and dashboards — without any hidden costs. Our in-the-cloud free trial lets you see for yourself — no download required. SAP Crystal Reports Server 60-day Free Trial


Get a business advantage. With a Services Dashboard, you're in the driver's seat. Solid benchmarks allow you to prioritize initiatives, monitor improvements and understand the business impact of best practices on your services organization. Read now.

Improve your company's efficiency and effectiveness, no matter its size. Download the SAP whitepaper Business Intelligence: The Definitive Guide for Mid-Size Organizations.

Online Lean Six Sigma Certificates
Earn certificates 100% Online from Purdue University, and gain knowledge in lean and six sigma. Lead improvements in your organization with skills learned. Courses start soon and space is limited. Click here for more info.

Online Project Mgmt Certificates
Earn project mgmt certificates 100% Online, and gain knowledge in foundations to PMP Prep. Skills apply directly to any industry. Save $1000 and get a FREE PMP Prep course w/ your certificate through 7/31/10. Click Here



"If you must play, decide on three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes and the quitting time."
- Chinese Proverb