All projects are driven at least in part by the project manager. For example, at some companies the project manager is normally the sponsor of the project as well as the overall manager of the overall project. With more small and medium sized companies, the project manager reports to a general manager or business manager. The general manager or manager of the project is the one responsible for resource allocation by providing the necessary resources and ensuring the right people with the right skills are working on the project.
Since the projects are the work of one individual, the manager has many pulls to make on the project or the project runs the risk of becoming initiated by staff and never getting off the ground. As you can find on a certified project management courses.
Very large companies hire project managers who report directly to the CEO or President. These managers are known as the high-level or senior managers. In many companies, the management system works the other way around with many managers functioning in a Respect and avering capacity. In my opinion, this has something to do with the “middle management” in companies and its “corporate cultural issues”. I guess it is reasonable to expect project managers in these companies to properly train employees, provide timely management information and required resources transfer. It’s important that project managers is has progressed at a reasonable pace since they are being hired to handle several projects at once.
Project managers are the ones that are responsible for delivering schedule and budget to the project as well as the on-time, on-budget delivery of the product or service. In order to accomplish these goals efficiently, project managers must first understand the scope of the project, and then plan and organize key steps in the project schedule. Remember, project managers are responsible for the product/service delivery (revenue source) as well as the delivery of the product/service to the customer. Because the project management system in complex in many organizations, project managers have a wealth of reporting at their fingertips.
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There are several tools that project management people can use to analyze information (schedule, cost, defects, resources, etc.) designed to provide variance analysis in order to provide insights into project performance and help improve the bottom line. Someone who possess knowledge and experience in project management should take ownership for the work they perform as they review and prepare project schedules. This will help ensure that they are working on the right things and stay focused, timely and on budget.
In larger companies, project managers are also involved in other critical projects such as customer support, marketing, accounting, finance, communications, and many other projects that the firm may be sponsoring or running. A great project manager with a strong background is invaluable to the project delivery of supporting projects by including them in decisions and monitoring implementation.
Each project must work synergistically with other projects within the firm in order to get desired results. It does not mean the entire company’s schedule should be constantly in a state of chaos, but it does provide organization for business augment and overcoming obstacles so the company can work on important projects that will get ahead following the on-going status of the customers and vendors.
Like many processes, consistent execution of the process for managing projects requires attention to detail so that the task flows seamlessly, work is completed correctly, and all information is accurate and timely. For difficult projects, the stakes can be very high and involve project managers sitting across the table from each other. Suppose you hire a Project Manager from outside your company. Assume that he/she was very interested in your scope and budget, and gives all the correct information about the scope and budget! This will destroy the quality and accuracy of the data it is getting. Ensure that projects work together, that projects are planned, monitored and updated, and utilizing the best methods possible.
For a project to be successful, it needs to be document in a Project Plans (P.M.) with all the resources, manpower, and any work to be performed, obtain all documents needed from the Project Team (S.T.) and present it to all members of the team (consulting PMs will often help with this process). There are days when this level of detail and organization is necessary-such as when there are an executive flight or two that require an in-person meeting daily, multiple meetings, and the need for numerous decision points, but it’s important to ensure that more detailed information about projects can be provided as needed.
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The P.M. is backed-up with a statements of work (S.W.) that have all key stakeholders defined, as well as any necessary certifications that the PM needs to meet. And, while it’s true that the PM will be the person with all the master monthly reports in hand, you still have to update and sign-off on all S.W. and other meeting minutes.
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