Does Domain Knowledge Really Matter?


Home  >  Articles  > 
Does Domain Knowledge Really Matter?

Tom L. Barnett, PMP

October 20, 2008







Get three or more project managers together to discuss what makes for a good set of PM skills and you will invariably end up with a time-honored and age-worn debate. This seems to be just as fertile of an area for differences as is the debate about how much value a PM certification really adds. Debates are great: I love how passionate each side gets as they state their case. The area that I think sparks one of the most interesting discussions is:
 
“Which is more important to project manager success: domain knowledge or project management skills?”
 
It’s a gripping argument that has people all across this great land and the world lined up on both sides of the issue. People engaged in this fierce game of rock-paper-scissors steadfastly believe that there is a rational answer to it, but I have often wondered what the bottom line answer really is.
 
To start looking, I limited my scope to a core scenario--a project manager is taking the over a new project in a new company and in a different area, field or industry.



Please login/register to read the entire article.





sponsored announcements and special offers
Attn: PMP® or CAPM® Certified Professionals.
Get your Advanced Master Certificate in IS/IT Project Management or Applied Project Management, 100% online from Villanova. Learn more now and save $945!

ERP Evaluation Toolkit. Focus analysts have gathered all of the information you need into one definitive document. Explore all aspects of the ERP market, and get insight into specific areas of interest. Decision-making tools and worksheets also included. ERP is a strategic investment. Download your free in-depth ERP Toolkit now.

A CRM solution can have an enormously positive effect on your business's bottom line, but a lot can go wrong during a rollout if you haven't planned properly. Download the CRM Evaluation and Implementation Toolkit, from InsideCRM, to learn more about hosted CRM, 10 Steps to a Successful CRM Implementation and more.



"In the fight between you and the world, back the world."
- Kafka


sponsors
@task
Adv.PM Training - Villanova
Boston University
Contour RM Free Trial
Headstrong
IAG RM Consulting
Microsoft Project 2010
MKS
Oracle PPM
Tenrox

More White Papers



vendor offers
See all Vendor Offers


vendor events
Feb 6 - Mar 20 & Apr 10 - May 22 - Classroom-Based PMP® Exam Preparation Courses Starting Soon
February 11, 2010 - Acumen Fuse Roadshow - Los Angeles
February 23, 2010 - Microsoft Office System Webcast: Project Risk Planning and Microsoft Office Project 2007 (Level 200)
See all Vendor Events