Why it is Important to Have a Project Manager

The  definition of a project is, a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. The environment of a project differs  considerably from that of typical day-to-day operations. Small businesses don’t need a complex methodology when it comes to managing a project, but they can benefit tremendously from a designated Project Manager.

Having a Project Manager, usually referred to as a PM, increases the likelihood a project will be successful and profitable. The PM adds value  by making the process more efficient and by minimizing the risk of  unforeseen issues arising. The PM is responsible for communication. He or she is both the liaison and the human shield between the Product Owner and the development team, ensuring the team can work effectively without too many intrusions and interruptions.

Most projects involve  multiple parties, individuals or teams, working together. The more parties involved the higher the risk of something going wrong due to lack of communication, synchronization, or understanding. A PM reduces this risk by being singularly  in charge  of the planning and execution of the project while keeping all parties on the same page.

A qualified PM understands all aspects of the business concept and purpose of the project. This knowledge allows the PM to oversee the planning, implementation and tracking of the project following Scrum/Kanban/Waterfall methodology. He or she is able to create and manage a Requirement List that corresponds to the  client’s expectations. The PM uses this information along with their time and project management skills to be proactive, and lead and coach each individual team member, making them more self-organized and proficient.

The primary duty and responsibility of the PM is to bring the customer’s idea to realization, on  time, within budget, and using existing resources. To accomplish this, the PM not only needs to build a development plan, organize a team, adjust the process of work on the project, provide feedback between teams and the customer, eliminate interference to teams, and monitor the quality and delivery of the product on time; but he or she needs to constantly evaluate each of these phases and adjust them accordingly. The PM must always keep in mind:

• achievement of the project and client’s goals (effective fulfillment of the task, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction);
• achievement of the goals of  the company (financial indicators);
• achievement of the goals of the team members (motivation, assistance in the implementation of career goals, conflict prevention).

Based on the role the PM plays it is easy to see that a team without a project manager can easily fall victim to chaotic management, vague objectives, inconsistent planning, and poor quality code. This results in over budget projects, delays in delivery, and a discouraged team that loses motivation. Project Managers organize the gap between ideas and implementation to deliver successful projects, from motivated teams, to happy clients.

Swan Project Management Consulting can offer you ways to improve customer value through our predictable product development modeling and structured action plans. Contact us today to see how we can transform your Agile development.