Project management involves setting project objectives, establishing tasks and a timetable for execution by the parties involved, evaluating progress and making adjustments to ensure that clients, whether internal or external, are getting the desired results. In fact, it is a job similar to the BTS Management of Commercial Units (MUC) which is used to evaluate commercial and financial performance. Project managers often work in the computer systems or information technology industries, although they can find employment in almost any industry. They coordinate project activities, budgets, and personnel, and work with other departments to meet project deadlines and objectives.
Project Manager Responsibilities
- Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the seamless execution of projects
- Ensure all projects are delivered on time.
- Develop project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility
- Ensure availability and allocation of resources
- Develop a detailed project plan to track progress
- Use appropriate auditing techniques to manage changes in the project schedule and costs
- Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques
- Report and escalate to management as necessary
- Manage the relationship with the client and all stakeholders
- Perform risk management to minimize project risks
- Establish and maintain relationships with third parties / suppliers
- Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
Project Manager Competencies
Project managers must be:
- Knowledgeable about your product’s users and industry
- Decisive, visionary and able to support your decisions
- Flexible, as you will be working in depth with different business functions
- A good collaborator, leader and diplomat
- Organized and able to meet deadlines.
- A very strong and clear communicator with a variety of stakeholders at different levels of seniority and knowledge
- Good at persuasion and negotiation
- Able to analyze complex data and research market trends and user opinions and behavior
- Fair and objective in decision making.
Education and professional development
Recommended high school diploma: general or STI2D. Initial training in project management is sometimes done in the form of a module in an initial training course at bac+5 level.
The training and development you receive as a project manager varies considerably depending on your employer. Your employer will likely focus on developing your:
- Knowledge of their sector and users through events, mentoring and supporting independent research.
- Presentation and communication skills through training courses and coaching.