PM DUTIES

Understanding Your Problem Is Half the Solution (Actually the Most Important Half)

Understanding your problem is half the solution (actually the most important half)

Before we can solve a problem, we need to know exactly what the problem is, and we should put a good amount of thinking and resources into understanding it. And because today’s problems are so complex, we know they can’t be solved by being broken down into specific components.

Russell Ackoff (1979) has one of the most compelling metaphors for complex problems I have encountered so far. He called them “messes”.

How many times you heard, or have spoken the phrase “this project is a mess” yourself? I have countless times. That said, the word “mess” means many things to many people so it means not much at all without context. Ackoff defined it as follows:

“Managers are not confronted with problems that are independent of each other, but with dynamic situations that consist of complex systems of changing problems that interact with each other. I call such situations messes. Problems are abstractions extracted from messes by analysis; they are to messes as atoms are to tables and chairs.”

The only real means to achieve a shared understanding of a problem is through dialogue. Unfortunately, in this day and age where hours are equated to cash and naïve simplicity reigns, time spend on understanding problems is viewed as time wasted.

“Everything Should Be Made as Simple as Possible, But Not Simpler” – Albert Einstein

Management demands action, not talk and collaborative analysis. Especially the kind of meetings that involves debate and discussion are seen as “just talk”. This is understandable considering the number of meaningless meetings most people experience, but I believe debate and discussion are necessary to create a shared understanding of a problem. I would not use the same time split as Einstein, but that is only because the problems I work on are not saving the world.

“Given one hour to save the world, I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and 5 minutes finding the solution.” - Albert Einstein

The next time you’re in a meeting to address a problem, pay attention to how much time is spent discussing or understanding the problem vs. how much time is spent on solutions. If your experience is typical, perhaps a few minutes of an hour-long meeting about the problem will be spent understanding the problem.

When I started paying attention, I realized meeting after meeting that the problem would be briefly summarized and then people would spend a huge amount of energy brainstorming or fleshing out solutions.

“It's so much easier to suggest solutions when you don't know too much about the problem.” - Malcolm Forbes

So, what happens when we don’t understand the problem? When the problem is not well understood, “solutions” only create new problems. In fact, there’s no guarantee the solutions will address the problem at all. Conversely, the more we understand the problem, the more likely we understand the root cause and can create countermeasures so the problem won’t recur.

Understanding the problem is the first step of any problem-solving.

The second step is defining how you measure success. After all, you would like to know if your solution is actually solving the problem.

“We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem.” – Russell L. Ackoff

In a nutshell: Understanding the problem is the first step of any problem-solving.

When you need some guidance on how to define and measure project success have a look at my Project Success Model here or by clicking on the image.

JOB SUMMARY

• Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the

  • direction,

  • coordination,

  • implementation,

  • control and completion of projects,

• while remaining aligned with company strategy,

  • commitments and goals.

• PM oversees initiating,

  • planning and executing Cell Therapy Development (CTD) projects.

  • The primary focus of the Project Manager will be to manage vector method projects in support of specific commercial product programs.

  • The Project Manager is responsible for developing detailed project plans in support of the viral vector project scope and cross-functional stakeholders.

  • This position works closely with the technical in order to coordinate and organize the deliverables associated with the CTD product programs.

  • This position will also work closely with functional leadership and representatives to ensure alignment and coordination across CTD priorities.

• The PM will be responsible for using CTD Project Management best practices, tools and templates. The successful candidate will collaborate with the CTD Project Management organization to share ideas, tools, best practices, training, lessons learned, establish core competencies, conduct peer reviews of project management deliverables, etc.

• The successful candidate must have the ability to work in a highly matrixed and cross-functional organization, against tight deadlines with business leaders and stakeholders.

• The PM must have the drive to work with both internal and external partners to define and implement effective project management plans.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with viral vector technical leads, quality leads, and facilities leads, to successfully achieve project objectives

• Provide strong team leadership and drive to ensure projects are executed on-time and within budget

• Facilitate the definition of project scope, goals and deliverables

• Create project plans; scope, work, resources, scheduling, etc.

• Maintain project objectives through project lifecycle

• Monitor execution and quality to customer/stakeholder/sponsor standards

• Identify and resolve issues and risks

• Report on project progress, offer viable solutions and opportunities as they arise

• Implement appropriate project change control

• Manage resources to make sure schedule is on track

• Facilitate all project team meetings; attend related project team meetings as necessary to ensure alignment

• Evaluate and assess result of project

• Provide structure and leadership across departments to ensure team meets project objectives

• Develop and communicate status to viral vector leadership

COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years’ experience in bio tech/life sciences project management

• Experience in cellular or gene therapy is preferred

• PMP certification and project management experience preferred

• Proficiency with related software tools such as: MS Project, OnePager, SmartSheets, MS PPT, MS Excel, etc.

• Working knowledge of biopharma industry

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally, with matrixed teams; maintaining strong business partner relationships

• Strong communication skills

• Experience in conflict resolution

• Excellent problem-solving skills

• Willingness to do what needs to be done in a dynamic environment

•Experience with voice and data network design and installation projects (This could be updating an existing facility (building/buildings) or for new building construction)

•5 years’ experience as PRIMARY OR SOLO project manager on large, complex, enterprise-level IT projects through full life cycle and at least 3 years’ experience managing multiple

•8 or more year of IT experience

•PMs with primarily application/software experience or with Agile will not be as helpful with this recruitment.

Information & Educational Technology (IET) has a need for 1 Project Manager to support the design and install of IT systems at a new building site. Below are the high points of what we need.

Minimum Qualifications:

At least 5 years’ experience as PRIMARY OR SOLO project manager on large, complex, enterprise-level IT projects through full life cycle and at least 3 years’ experience managing multiple, interdependent projects including:

·Requirements and specification development

·Schedule development and tracking/reporting to project schedule across multiple simultaneous projects

•Risk identification, tracking and reporting

•Project status and communications

•Stakeholder management and communications

•Experience as a project manager in a PMO

•Experience with customizing industry standard PM processes to a variety of project sizes, complexities and criticalities.

•Strong team leadership skills/experience

Superior communication and interpersonal skills to manage teams and stakeholders with tact and diplomacy.

Extensive experience in managing information technology projects for which an application development methodology was enforced.

Superior multitasking skills

Experience with IT security intensive projects

Preferred qualifications:

Experience in higher education

Bachelor's degree in science or technical discipline, with an emphasis in technology management or information management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PMP Certification

Experience in building and managing customer/client relationships

Experience with large, complex IT network implementations

Experience with network segmentation, network security and install of network infrastructure in new or existing facilities

In addition to strong PM experience, we are seeking referrals with strong communication skills and experience communicating with executives as well as project teams.

Referrals selected be interviewed need to be prepared to discuss specifics; provide specific information about the project and explain their methodology and demonstrate the following:

1. Pro-Active Project Management: Provide specific examples of managing projects and the actions they took to help the project be successful.

2. Core understanding of technology: Demonstrate and explain the technology of the projects they worked on.

3. Adaptable to project and environmental challenges: Provide examples of when they changed behavior in order to be successful in a particular environment or to correct for mistakes that had been made in the project.

4. Communication: Demonstrate the ability in the interview to listen well and communicate clearly about the projects they have worked on and to provide examples of clear communication with their project teams.

Project Management:

o Lead multiple projects simultaneously using project management methodologies (scope management, tollgate, and risk & change management processes).

o Lead the development of project charters, plans, and schedules; manage project budgets, communication plans, project review meetings, and deliverables.

o Execute comprehensive readiness (Implementation and Support) plans that meet MMS business objectives and support customer expectations.

o Identify and monitor key measures to ensure project success and prepare project status reports.

o Coordinate/facilitate/support all aspects of project management in regards to key organizational, process and technology change levers to align resources and operations with business objectives.

o Close collaboration with extended readiness teams to drive GCS readiness activities and processes.

o Must be organized to run a well-executed project but performance must be elevated above completing a project plan or task list.

o Solid understanding of and experience with risk management (identifying, communicating, mitigating and escalating).

o Expert level knowledge of Client GPDS (Global Product Development System) or ability to become an expert.

Communication

o Create presentations that provide succinct/concise recommendations to management team and be able to provide rationale and justifications behind the recommendations.

o Understand and articulate the project’s impact to its stakeholders. Partner with stakeholders on plans to manage the impact of a project, including training, communication and risk management.

o Must be willing and able to constructively challenge ideas in private and public conversations across numerous roles and levels. Be a champion for the GCS organization.

o Ensure adoption of new processes and knowledge application by identifying, monitoring and communicating success metrics.

o Draft communications and partner with Education Services team to drive timely and successful creation of training content.

Technical

o Simultaneously contribute to multiple product and process improvement projects led by others using technical skills such as Agile, LEAN, six sigma, CTQ, etc.

o Gather requirements, define and document business processes/procedures using workflow modeling techniques.

o Analyze LCR quantitative and qualitative data and recommend insights and solutions to management team and partner organizations.

o Use data insights, process knowledge and critical thinking to identify and validate readiness opportunities.

o Develop business cases for readiness approach to optimize customer experience.

Administrative/Other:

o Efficient and effective use of matrixed resources

o Lead and/or facilitate cross-functional meetings; take thorough meeting notes, accurately documenting decisions and capturing action items.

o Comfortable with ambiguity

o Self-starter

o Must be able to build relationships across functions and business units

o Timely completion of internal company documentation and required training

o Mentor colleagues on best practices for project management and process design

o Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

o Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred

o Three to five years of experience minimum in project management

o Previous readiness experience highly desired

o Demonstrated strong matrix management skills

o Managed/supported projects cross-functionally in an iterative, fast paced environment

o Strong MS office skills particularly in advanced PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio

o Strong analytical, problem-solving, verbal, listening and interpersonal skills

o Excellent Verbal, Written and Communication Skills

o Strong leadership, group facilitation, and project management skills

o Strong business operations/business process knowledge/experience.

Project/Program/Portfolio Management, XFN Collaboration, Supply Chain Operations , Customer service/support Experience ( map to project)

Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Initiate projects by working with broad cross-functional or functional team members to develop business cases and gathering stakeholder support

• Work within an agile delivery methodology to develop and support sprint planning, reviews and retros and develop cross functional project plans, including partnership with technology teams, vendors, and leaders

• Plan and lead Customer Support process and system enablement projects. Manage outputs to drive business results and value.

• Manage project deliverables, tracking timelines, communicating with stakeholders, and working to resolve issues

• Close out projects by successfully transitioning completed changes to the business, updating documentation, and conducting an after-action review.

Skills and Competencies

• 5+ years in Agile methodologies to deliver technology and business solutions on time and on budget.

• 5+ years in Supply Chain Operations experience (i.e. planning, order management, reverse logistics, customer support)

• 5+ years proven experience initiating and executing highly cross-functional projects and programs, including technical application solutions.

• 3+ years Org Change Management experience

• 5+ years conducting process improvement assessments and implementations and driving qualitative and quantitative improvements

• Exceptional communication abilities both in a matrix and with outside partners; ability to effectively persuade and influence

• Proven indirect leadership experience including coaching and teaching skills

• Able to understand end to end business process, operations and identify and understand issues, risks, and opportunities

• Excellent communications, presentation/facilitation skills; able to summarize clearly and concisely

• Creative, critical problem-solver

• Advanced skills in MS Office Suite, including PowerPoint, & Word

Education and Other Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required

• Master's Degree (MBA, MA) preferred

• Consumer electronics industry experience preferred

• PM/Change Management certification preferred: CIPM, PmP, PgMP, PfMP, ADKAR

Job Description

• Create maintain plan from Product Owner roadmap and Kanban management

• Establish drive delivery disciplines cadence standards for the feature team

• Own the issues blockers status resolution and same for identifying managing risks facing the feature team may be reliant on support from others to mitigate

• Own the delivery status report out and accuracy of the facts Vendor relationship management running RFP s and contract management

• Control financial resource forecasts actuals to budget Overall responsibility for delivering the product to time cost quality

• Drives the team to ensure velocity is maintained changes managed in line with expectations

• Ensure wider organization is engaged aligned to feature team needs including timely pre emotive governance approvals dispensations

• Stakeholder Management and Leadership Work as part of a product focused team alongside a product owner and engineering manager to own the continuous delivery of value and work with the product owner to define and prioritise changes that will meet our numerous stakeholder demands

• Manage activities in a change project Includes engaging stakeholders in the change effort and ensuring

• They ready to adopt the coming changes measuring and reporting change progress

• Assessing business readiness and supporting change adoption Plan and support labor relations and or employee relations discussions as necessary

• Decision making and Problem Solving Identify behaviors needed to enable the change and coach

• Prepare individual leaders to lead the change and facilitate alignment of project objectives among the leaders

• Project manage all aspects of a change project including project planning estimating budgeting resource

• Allocation financial management and time management for project up to an SI value of 1 5m or a portfolio of smaller change initiatives up to 1 5m SI or a project with increased complexity

Project Manager

The Opportunity

1. Project Managers lead project teams to design,

2. build, configure, and deliver solutions for our healthcare and life sciences clients.

3. This role provides leadership and management to project teams to ensure we deliver on time, with quality, and on budget.

4. This role is the primary point of contact for the client ensuring any risks or issues are mitigated and setting expectations for what is needed from the client to be successful.

5. This person will work closely with the Solution Architect, Technical Architect, and Business Analyst to ensure services are being delivered per the project plan.

Looking back on your first 12 months, you will have…

• Strategically build relationships with relevant client sponsors and stakeholders within each project to actively identify and create future opportunities, client references, and to develop a robust industry network

• Manage the scope of the project; Participate in design reviews to define and prioritize requirements and collaborate with project team members to design appropriate solutions and execute projects in a timely manner

• Create and execute project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements

• Identify staffing needs and determine individual project team member responsibilities

• Participate in client training and other implementation initiatives as a part of overall project deliverables

• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope and effectively apply our methodology or client’s methodology if being used and enforce project standards

• Identify and manage project risks and ensure project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately

• Communicate status of the project to accurately reflect risks or issues that may impact schedule, budget, or quality; Escalate major risks or issues so they can be addressed

What you bring to our clietn:

• Project management experience ideally in a consulting environment with software or custom development implementations experience

• Life Sciences/Pharmaceutical industry experience

• Experience working in a collaborative environment to meet client needs with the ability to work across global teams, both internally and externally, to influence project contributors and stakeholders at all levels

• Demonstrated analytical skills and experience with the complete lifecycle of complex enterprise projects; understands core project management concepts, data modeling, theories, practices, and methods

• Experience facilitating meetings, demonstrate brainstorming/consensus building skills, and interacting with project sponsors at all levels

• Detail-oriented with the ability to quickly assimilate and apply new concepts, business models, and technologies.

• Experience with CRM software, preferably Salesforce (Salesforce certifications are a plus)

We may not have always called them “project managers,” but since the building of the pyramids, someone had to do the planning, budgeting and delegating responsibilities that laid the groundwork for the career. In recent years, project management has become a distinct profession in which many find success. New positions are emerging so fast, the Project Management Institute found that job growth exceeded earlier projections for 2020 by 2017. Whether you’re beginning your research into a possible career change or gearing up for a new position, it’s important to have a basic understanding of this fast-growing occupation.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

As the name suggests, project managers are in charge of projects from initiation to close, making sure the work gets done efficiently and satisfactorily. As team leaders with day-to-day schedules that are constantly changing, a static project manager job description would be hard to come by. Days can be filled with planning the project process, creating a budget, managing a team or communicating with clients.

Project managers span across a wide range of industries from engineering to financial services. Every company wants to keep costs down without lowering standards, and project managers help make this possible.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Project Manager?

Though there are variations to project management positions across industry lines, the general project manager duties stay the same. Those responsibilities include:

Plan and Develop the Project Idea

Every project starts as an idea. It’s a project manager’s job to work with internal stakeholders and external clients to define that concept and create a process to bring it to fruition. This includes setting and managing client expectations, developing a detailed project plan, defining the scope of the project and assigning team members to specific tasks.

Create and Lead Your Dream Team

Project managers are accountable for every aspect of the project, including leading a team capable of meeting or exceeding client expectations for their vision. Successful project managers assemble and manage these individuals to make a fine-tuned project machine. If the team needs guidance, training or coaching, it’s a project manager’s responsibility to set them up for success.

In order to build and maintain a dynamic team mentality, a project manager must be able to keep open and honest communication, form working relationships and motivate anyone who needs it.

Monitor Project Progress and Set Deadlines

Organization and follow-through are a big part of a project manager’s job. From creating an accurate timeline of project completion to ensuring tasks are finished within the confines of the assignment, the project manager must remain aware of how the project is progressing.

The project manager also anticipates delays that may occur on the client side and apprises the team of any changes in the client’s needs.

Solve Issues That Arise

During every project, issues arise that need to be solved. The project manager is the first person who clients and team members turn to when something goes wrong, so it is in these professionals’ best interest to anticipate any potential hiccups before they happen. Adaptability and problem solving are key to keeping control of a project.

One issue that project managers need to have a plan for is change or expansion in a project’s deliverables throughout a project, also known as scope creep. This usually occurs when the scope of a project wasn’t properly defined from the start, and it can seriously affect the timeline and budget.

Manage the Money

Budget management is another primary project manager duty. These professionals make sure that the project gets done without excessive spending. A good project manager has mastered the art of cost efficiency.

Project managers also must be transparent and realistic about the cost so clients are aware from the beginning how much they are likely to spend.

Ensure Stakeholder Satisfaction

Project managers have the closest relationship with clients of anyone who works on a project. Because of this, it is important that they keep open lines of communication for updates and feedback. If any issues or changes arise in the timeline of a project, for example, the project manager is in charge of keeping the client up to date.

Evaluate Project Performance

After a project is finished, the project manager is responsible for evaluating its efficiency and effectiveness. With the data they’ve tracked throughout the process, they can begin to identify shortcomings and plan for ways to fix similar issues in the future. This is also an opportunity to highlight what went right, including building camaraderie and rewarding team members who excelled during the project.

Project Manager Skills

Because project manager responsibilities are abundant, a broad range of skills is helpful in propelling them through the process, including:

• Accountability

• Adaptability

• Budget Management

• Clear Communication

• Creativity

• Decisiveness

• Delegation

• Forecasting

• Leadership

• Management

• Organization

• Problem Solving

• Strategic Thinking

• Stress Management

How to Become a Project Manager

If you’ve been pondering how to get your start in the project management field, begin by doing your research. Read first-hand accounts of project managers’ experiences, reach out to practicing project managers and seek training. Many of a project manager’s tools are learned, so finding a mentor or training program that equips you with the skills necessary to succeed is key.

Consider getting certified. A Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification can better your chances for career opportunities and growth, and it also gives you a chance to train alongside qualified professionals. Employers worldwide consider PMP® certification as an industry standard.

The project management field is continually growing with the Project Management Institute predicting 2.2 million new project-oriented jobs each year through 2027. It’s a career for problem solvers and collaborators who enjoy variety in their work. Though high expectations can make this role stressful, project managers are a vital part of many industries, and the work can be extremely rewarding.

Purdue University’s Online Project Management Series

Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management series can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP exam in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help students retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.

Project Management Essentials

This 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms. Students are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam. Experienced PME instructors engage students in a stimulating range of learning activities including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; participation in online threaded discussion forums; viewing recorded lecture videos; taking quizzes and self-tests; and completing written assignments. They also participate in online discussions and welcome the opportunity to coach interested students on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.

PMP Exam Preparation

This 100% online, self-study course is for project managers with a minimum of three years’ experience and assumes prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide. It includes four live webinars presented by an instructor for in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material. PMI’s 200-question, multiple-choice PMP exam is demanding, and students must engage in independent study following the course to pass the PMP exam.

Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities [8 Key Roles]

Maja Mrsic Project Management

“A project manager is like a doctor who leads the trauma team and decides the course of action for a patient - both at the same time. Without the right kind of authority to efficiently handle all the project management issues, development teams can easily get into trouble.” - Scott Berkun, the author of “Making Things Happen”

How did it all start? In the late 1980s, Microsoft was launching an ambitious project and had run into a problem: there were way too many players involved. There were teams from marketing, engineering, and the business end, and no one knew how to coordinate all of them.

So, Microsoft came up with what was then an ingenious solution. They picked one person to take charge of who would be given significant authority to organize and coordinate their new project. Once Microsoft appointed a dedicated leader, everything went smoothly and the teams were much happier with their work dynamics. The end result of this new strategy was Excel.

Eventually, Microsoft made this new role as a staple for all their projects. Thus, the project manager was born.

8 key roles and job responsibilities of project managers

At the end of this post, you'll find a cheat sheet containing an overview of a project manager's key responsibilities! But first...

WHO are project managers and what are they like?

Good project managers are people with an excellent entrepreneurial mindset. This allows them to think about a project beyond the basic skill set needed to manage it, and it is the project manager’s job to direct teams and team members to the finish line. At the end of the day, the project’s success or failure rests solely on the project manager’s shoulders, and he or she is the one responsible for the end result.

Project managers keep knowledge and information flowing seamlessly. They need both technical know-how and first-hand knowledge of the tasks they assign to others to keep the project moving forward.

"Project Managers play the lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects. They're expected to deliver a project on time, within the budget, and brief while keeping everyone in the know and happy."

— Cam Lee, Rock Agency

But technical know-how does more than enable project managers to communicate ideas effectively to all those involved. Good project managers use their technical understanding to win team members’ respect. Since project managers influence more decisions than anyone else in the company, their primary task is to use what they know to not just win employees’ respect, but keep it throughout the project and into the future.

What do project managers DO? 8 key roles and responsibilities

1. Activity and resource planning

Planning is instrumental in meeting project deadlines, and many projects fail due to poor planning. First and foremost, good project managers define the project’s scope and determine available resources. Good project managers know how to realistically set time estimates and evaluate the team's or teams’ capabilities.

They then create a clear and concise plan to both execute the project and monitor its progress. Projects are naturally unpredictable, so good project managers know how to make adjustments along the way as needed before the project reaches its final stages.

2. Organizing and motivating a project team

Good project managers don’t get their teams bogged down with elaborate spreadsheets, long checklists, and whiteboards. Instead, they put their teams front and center. They develop clear, straightforward plans that stimulate their teams to reach their full potential. They cut down on bureaucracy and steer their teams down a clear path to the final goal.

"There is no other way than leading by example. If you are doing your part correctly, always supporting your team, and having a fair and healthy approach with them, motivation should never be a problem."

— Dragan Hrgić, Remade

3. Controlling time management

Clients usually judge a project’s success or failure on whether it has been delivered on time. Therefore, meeting deadlines are non-negotiable. Good project managers know how to set realistic deadlines, and how to communicate them consistently to their teams.

They know how to effectively do the following:

• Define activity

• Sequence activity

• Estimate the duration of activity

• Develop a schedule

• Maintain a schedule

4. Cost estimating and developing the budget

Good project managers know how to keep a project within its set budget. Even if a project meets a client’s expectations and is delivered on time, it will still be a failure if it goes wildly over budget. Good project managers frequently review the budget and plan ahead to avoid massive budget overruns.

5. Ensuring customer satisfaction

In the end, a project is only a success if the customer is happy. One of the key responsibilities of every project manager is to minimize uncertainty, avoid any unwanted surprises, and involve their clients in the project as much as is reasonably possible. Good project managers know how to maintain effective communication and keep the company’s clients up-to-date.

6. Analyzing and managing project risk

The bigger the project is, the more likely there are to be hurdles and pitfalls that weren’t part of the initial plan. Hiccups are inevitable, but good project managers know how meticulously and almost intuitively, identify and evaluate potential risks before the project begins. They know how to then avoid risks or at least minimize their impact.

"You have to go in expecting that things won't be as you had planned, and things won't be as easy as first expected. Goals, conditions, and circumstances will change."

— Kalila Lakeworth, 3D1go

7. Monitoring progress

During the initial stages, project managers and their teams have a clear vision and high hopes of producing the desired result. However, the path to the finish line is never without some bumps along the way. When things don’t go according to a plan, a project manager needs to monitor and analyze both expenditures and team performance and to always efficiently take corrective measures.

8. Managing reports and necessary documentation

Finally, experienced project managers know how essential final reports and proper documentation are. Good project managers can present comprehensive reports documenting that all project requirements were fulfilled, as well as the projects’ history, including what was done, who was involved, and what could be done better in the future.

Scroll down till the end of this post to find our cheat sheet where all these roles and responsibilities are summarized!

Do you need a project manager?

No matter how large or demanding projects are, you need someone who will reliably and consistently maintain efficiency and productivity. Not only has research shown that 89% of high-performing organizations include a project manager, but also that the profession is consistently one of those most in demand. Project management is indispensable to successful businesses, and business owners need leaders with the right vision, the right skills, and the right know-how to face the biggest challenges and ensure projects are completed successfully and according to schedule.

Project managers are integral parts of almost every kind of organization—from small agencies with only one project manager guiding a handful of projects to multinational IT companies that employ highly specialized project managers placed in charge of ambitious projects. If one of these describes your business or any kind of enterprise in between, then the answer is definitely yes.

Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities Cheat Sheet

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Other posts in the series on Project Management Methodologies and Frameworks

1. What Is Project Management?

2. Project Management Life Cycle

3. How to Choose the Right Project Management Methodology

4. Six Sigma Methodology

5. PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology

6. Kanban Project Management

7. Scrum Project Management

8. Joint Application Development (JAD)

9. PERT Network Chart Method

10. Rational Unified Process (RUP)

11. Adaptive Project Management

12. Extreme Programming (XP)

13. Theory of Constraints

14. Extreme Project Management XPM

15. Critical Path Method (CPM)

16. Feature Driven Development

17. Critical Chain Project Management

18. Agile Project Management

19. Waterfall Project Management Methodology

20. Traditional Project Management

21. Crystal Methods

22. Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities [8 Key Roles]

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