Basic question is - Who should be involved in the development of the customer's requirement document, A PM or a person whose sole purpose is to interview and develop a clear and concise document of the requirements and then hands off to the PM? Saving Changes...
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Project/Program managers certainly need to be involved in requirements gathering and documentation, but because this is one of the most critical aspects of getting it right, I believe there should be dedicated specialists doing the work. In my "old school" way of thinking I believe this work should be done under the direction of the PM but not by the PM.
This is more than an exercise in documentation, it is all about expectation setting. The entire process needs to be focused on setting the proper expectations. Therefore it requires special skills and teamwork. I recommend that while the project manager will not do the work itself, he/she be held accountable for the teamwork, strategy and ultimate success of the overall process. Saving Changes...
I agree with Frank. What I have found though, is that it depends heavily on what the company can afford.
In companies that have not reached a stage where specialisation is required, multi-skilling is prevelant, and justifiable (in terms of their own perceptions). This does cause problems for the Project Manager. I have observed that it is very difficult for a PM to manage a project where the PM is responsible for some of the technical deliverables in the project. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Developing requirements begins with clear, quantified objectives that are aligned with the strategic direction of the company. Fleshing out the detailed requirements requires a team led by a person who can facilitate cross functional knoweldge workers and other stakeholders (the customers) to develop the details needed to achieve the defined objectives. It is management's job to define the objectives of any project. The PM drives the project from inception through implementation. Discovering requirements requires a specialist who understands the dynamics of human nature and can facilitate and focus the customer toward defining workable solutions. Saving Changes...
Do you know of any guides or articles or books that cover the topic of how to facilitate the proper interviewing? Like was mentioned above, it takes someone with the right skill to pull information out of the users that drives to the objective of the project. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
