I am trying to understand the research topic "It is possible to be Project Manager and Business Analyst on the same project"
Can any one help me first understand this topic? Are we talking that 1 person can perform both the roles OR both these two roles are required in one project OR something else?
Thanks very much,
Gagandeep Singh Saving Changes...
Bernard GorePortfolio, Programme & Project Professional| NZ PoliceWellington, New Zealand
I think the statement is suggesting that a single person can fulfill both roles in a single project.
And my answer would be yes, it is possible, but not generally good practice, needs to be done with a lot of caution, and does introduce significant risk. I've actually done a hybrid PM/BA role myself on a number of occasions, and for small projects it can work OK, as the tasks of each do tend to overlap considerably.
However on larger or more complex projects the problems become severe - the PM's role is to allocate work and ensure that everyone delivers - if they are holding both roles how do they make sure that work allocated by them as PM to them as BA is equitable? And who holds them to account for delivery? We see again and again in business that there is a need for independence in the "regulation" functions, and as "regulation" of process and quality is part of the PMs role they are compromised in their ability to do this if they are also the person being regulated. Even if they are capable of sufficient self-awareness and self-criticism to effectively regulate themselves absolutely fairly, there is a risk that others may perceive things differently and think they are being treated unfairly. Saving Changes...
