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Guidelines For Managers


Model Guideline #7

Show me a typical guideline for -

Project Manager

Guideline Goal

  • To deliver a facility/system/product/service on time and within budget, and is fully functional when completed at the end of the project.
  • One that meets stakeholder requirements and satisfies the project's stakeholders through effective handling during the project's planning phases and efficient conduct during its production phases

Note! - 1

  • In practice, the person who is in charge of a project may be designated with a variety of titles, e.g. project manager, project leader, coordinator, facilitator, administrator and so on.
  • So much so, that the title has really become meaningless
  • Depending on the size and nature of the project the person-in-charge may play very different roles

Note! - 2

  • Indeed, the roles required in each of the four "typical" phases are very different, ranging from "Explorer" of the concept at the beginning, through "Coordinator" of definition and requirements to "Driver" of the product execution to "Administrator" of the final project closure.
  • For these reasons we have chosen to use the term "Phase Manager" when dealing with any particular project phase

Expectations - 1

  • The Project Sponsor will ensure the appointment (or reconfirmation) of a Project Phase Manager for each phase of the project, and
  • This person will have a clear Project Mandate covering his/her authority, responsibility and accountability
  • The Project Phase Manager will be responsible for planning and executing the scope of work corresponding to the specified phase
    • By following the process outlined in these guidelines

Expectations - 2

  • In the planning phases, effective handling of the project is required to ensure the best solutions
  • In the production phases, efficient handling of the project is required to ensure cost-effectiveness
  • Throughout, sufficient time must be devoted to Stakeholder communications to ensure requirements are correctly interpreted, met, delivered and accepted as being successful

Expectations - 3

  • Where different Stakeholders have conflicting requirements (as often occurs)
    • But cannot be resolved by the Phase Manager's best efforts
  • The issue will be referred to the Project Sponsor for resolution
    • A change in corporate policy could be involved

Particulars - 1

  • A Project Phase Manager is not expected to do all the work him/herself
  • Rather, the manager is responsible for mobilizing the required support staff, and
  • Building them into an effective project team

Particulars - 2

  • Sufficient project management support services must to be built into each project phase to suit the project process requirements
  • As part of his or her mandate, the Project Phase Manager is expected to manage this team, and other resources, for the successful conduct and outcome of the particular phase

Definitions and Responsibility

Definitions to be included

    • Project Manager, Project Phase Manager

Primary responsibility

    • Project Phase manager

Responsible to

    • Project Sponsor