We don’t need a Project Manager!
You may be right – and you may have a resource on your team executing your projects.
BUT – have you established that what is being executed is really a “project”?
Let’s start at the beginning – what is a project?
The accepted definition of a project is “A temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. (PMBOK Project standards)
Projects can vary in size and complexity, ranging from small initiatives like organizing a community event to large-scale undertakings like constructing a skyscraper.
The key characteristics that distinguish a project from regular operations are its temporary nature and its goal to produce something unique.
Have the desired outcomes of your project been documented, reviewed, costed and agreed? And have those desired outcomes been achieved?
Or is it a continuing action, no clear closure date, constant adjustments and version updates?
If so, you may have ventured into Operational Mode, and your project manager may in fact be your Operations Manager. Two different approaches, skill sets, deliverables and outcomes.
Engaging a Project Manager
A project manager brings a structured approach to planning, executing, and closing projects. They ensure that the project stays on track by managing resources, timelines, and budgets effectively. Additionally, project managers are skilled in risk management, which helps in identifying potential issues before they become significant problems.
“Project managers add cost to the project”
The absence of a project manager will add more cost to the project, potentially due to delays, poor quality, risk impacts, bad scheduling, poor stakeholder management and the resulting reworking of elements on the project.
Alternatives to a fulltime project manager
Short-term project management assignments can be highly beneficial for organizations that need to address specific challenges or opportunities without committing to long-term resources.
Short term project management assignments offer:
- Fresh perspectives
- Experience-based solutions
- Review of projects in distress
- Connections to industry experts
- Flexibility of engagement
- Scalability to client’s needs, lower engagement cost
- Mentoring services as required.
Reach out for a chat to explore this topic further.
Terry Hendricks, Principal Consultant
M: 0407 237 291 E: terry.hendricks@iinet.net.au
