Does Domain Knowledge Really Matter?

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Does Domain Knowledge Really Matter?

by Tom L. Barnett

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.



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