I need help to understand. I am an R&D engineer working in a medium-sized company. My line manager told me that I will be the project manager of my own project. So, I am responsible for the idea generation, project planning, implementation, and testing up to reporting the outcomes to the main company management. Is this normal in industrial organizations? If yes, is this something that holds a good or bad indication?
I have successfully finished my second project with him and he told to me after I generate the idea for the third one.
For more information, my line manager is the general manager of the company. Saving Changes...
It depends. Anyway, even if it is a normal routine in other organizations or PM world, it does not necessarily mean that your company should follow the path! Saving Changes...
Maybe your manager saw in you attitudes of responsibility, so he charged to you the management of your own project. This mode of work is similar to solopreneurs, who start their business idea planning, implementing, and controlling all processes by themselves. Executing and Controlling your own project needs correct time management and discipline. Saving Changes...
This is not at all uncommon in an industrial setting. Often the engineer (or equivalent) of the product is also assigned responsibility for the PM type activities like translating the tasks required to create the product (from idea generation through qualification testing), into a project plan, and reporting on progress to plan.
This is where a lot of PMs get their start. It is sometimes called a technical PM or a Project Engineer. Once the project activities become too big for one person to do both, a dedicated PM may be assigned to handle the PM tasks freeing up the technical staff to focus on the product. They may have the same title, but they are focused on overseeing the work of others, rather than doing the detailed technical work themselves. Saving Changes...
I'd agree with the previous comments about this being common-place and, in fact, it is a great way for you to understand whether you prefer being in a orchestrator (e.g. PM) type role or an individual contributor one as your career progresses.
The key is to figure out "how much" project management to apply to a given project balancing the hands-on work with the need to successfully deliver the expected outcomes. When that balancing act becomes too challenging, the roles might need to be split...
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
The beauty of project management is the balance between the technical and the management. Each project will require different levels of each, maybe even throughout the project.
Just remember though, managing a project is not about doing things; it's about getting things done. Don't think you have to be responsible for everything. Learn to share the responsibility and work. That's when you'll start realizing that working through and with people is the key to great project management. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Karem,
yes, as the others indicate too, I think it is a good sign.
Your boss seems to trust you and increases your challenge so that you can grow.
My advice: get a mentor to help you develop yourself, at best outside the company.
Thomas Saving Changes...
Denathayalan RamasamyChief Technology Officer| Atal Incubation Centre -CIICChennai, Tamilnadu, India
Just follow your instinct. you could learn PM principles only through failures and experience. Your line manager may need a commitment from you, what ever the failure happens, you own and execute it. He might assessing on risk taking capability of yours.
It is worth to go ahead and give a try. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
In my case, I have to say is very common. There is nothing "bad" or "good" except you have to ware different hats at different times. Then, you have to be honest with yourself. Saving Changes...
