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Guidelines For Managers

Model Guideline #2

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Project Sponsor, resources & priority

Guideline Goals

  • To emphasize the role of Project Sponsor in promoting the project, and
  • To ensure that the project falls within the organization's business needs and available resources, and
  • To ensure proper project processing to a successful product delivery

Expectations - 1

  • As soon as a need for a project is identified by any stakeholder, the appropriate management level will identify the Sponsor and potential Concept Phase manager for the project
    • On "small" projects the Sponsor and Concept Phase Manager may be one and the same
    • This Phase Manager may be responsible for several on-going smaller projects, depending on the organization, area of application, the manager's experience, and size of projects being handled

Expectations - 2

  • On "large" projects, the Project Sponsor will participate in senior management's overall project prioritization and resource allocation process
  • A Project Priority Class is usually established or confirmed as part of the Business Case at the conclusion of Phase 1 - Concept
  • On "small" projects, resource allocation may be the responsibility of the project-owning department
    • The size of "large" and "small" projects must be defined by the organization

Expectations - 3

  • The Project Sponsor will ensure at all times that the necessary resources are available for the project
    • And if not, will recommend to senior management that the project be put on hold or aborted
    • Approval to commence each phase of the project is the usual time to deal with this issue
    • This ensures the avoidance of unproductive effort and wasted expenditure

Expectations - 4

  • The Project Sponsor will appoint the respective Project Phase Managers
    • Who may, or may not be the same person each time
  • The Project Sponsor will participate in the development of the Key Success Indicators
    • Governing the project's direction
    • And post-project review
  • And will be responsible for overseeing the project, its progress, control and successful product delivery

Particulars - 1

The project sponsor's job is to

    • Bridge the gap
      • Between senior management and the project
      • By fostering high-level contacts
    • Constantly reinforce the project's business case
      • And generally be an advocate for the project

Particulars - 2

  • Provide moral support and leadership
    • By regular meetings with the project manager
  • Monitor the project's overall performance
    • And report accordingly to senior management
  • Create an environment for the team to work effectively
    • Ensuring provision of resources
    • And removal of management road blocks

Particulars - 3

  • The Project Sponsor may be a designated individual
    • Or a group (i.e. Sponsoring Team) on larger projects
  • The Project Sponsor has a vital role to play in the success of a project
    • In effect, the Sponsor or sponsoring team is the "Directorate" for the project overseeing the work of the Project Phase manager

Definitions and Responsibility

Definitions to be included

    • Project Sponsor, Sponsoring Team, Project Priority Class

Primary responsibility

    • Project Sponsor

Responsible to

    • Senior Management