Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
I asked PMI Infinity this reread and informed the following :
Infinity: While a project manager spends approximately 90% of their time on communication, the remaining 10% is dedicated to various other critical tasks that ensure the smooth execution and success of the project. Here is a breakdown of the remaining 10% of a project manager's work:
- Planning and Scheduling (3%):
- Developing detailed project plans and schedules.
- Defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Allocating resources and setting timelines.
- Risk Management (2%):
- Identifying potential risks and issues.
- Developing risk mitigation strategies.
- Monitoring and controlling risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Quality Management (1%):
- Ensuring that project deliverables meet the required quality standards.
- Conducting quality assurance and quality control activities.
- Implementing continuous improvement processes.
- Budget Management (1%):
- Monitoring project budgets and expenditures.
- Ensuring that the project stays within financial constraints.
- Adjusting budgets as necessary based on project progress and changes.
- Team Management (1%):
- Leading and motivating the project team.
- Resolving conflicts and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Providing training and development opportunities for team members.
- Documentation and Reporting (1%):
- Maintaining project documentation and records.
- Preparing and submitting project reports to stakeholders.
- Ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
- Procurement Management (1%):
- Managing contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers.
- Overseeing the procurement of necessary resources and materials.
- Ensuring timely delivery and quality of procured items.
Just these activities are crucial for the successful execution and completion of the project? or any other subject else?
While the percentages mentioned are indicative, in reality, a Project Manager’s time is often dominated by human-related issues, particularly communication. Communication is at the heart of project management, as it drives coordination among teams, stakeholders, and vendors. Although the other tasks such as planning, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance, and budget control are equally important, it's the human interaction and constant communication that often require the most time and attention. This aspect of the role ensures that everyone is aligned, problems are addressed promptly, and the project progresses smoothly. Ultimately, the successful execution and completion of any project hinge not just on technical skills, but also on effective communication and people management.
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1 reply by Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
May 06, 2025 4:58 AM
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
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Hi Danny,
Thank you for your thoughtful response! I completely agree that while the percentages provide a framework, the reality of project management is heavily influenced by human interactions. Effective communication truly is the glue that holds everything together, ensuring alignment and addressing issues as they arise. It’s fascinating how the balance of technical skills and people management shapes our success in projects. Appreciate your insights!
This is a great example of how Gen AI tools need to be validated. Team Management activities listed above, for example, all require communication so I wouldn't view these as falling into the 10%.
I've always seen the remaining 10% as activities the PM does on their own to manage the project - analyzing variances as an example.
Kiron
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1 reply by Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
May 06, 2025 4:59 AM
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
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Hi Kiron,
Thanks for your insightful comment! You make a great point about the interconnectedness of communication and team management. I appreciate your perspective on the remaining 10% being more about individual project management tasks. It’s always valuable to hear different viewpoints on this topic!
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Golam, I do agree with Kiron. That said, those percentages are not set in stone and could be different from one project to another depending on so many factors.
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1 reply by Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
May 06, 2025 5:00 AM
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
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Hi Rami,
Absolutely! I agree that the percentages can vary significantly based on the project context. It’s all about adapting to the unique challenges we face. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
It looks like numerical soup to me. For instance, 1% is team manangement which is unrealistically low at 24 minutes per week (< 5 min/day), and 80% of team management is communication. My followup question would be to explain the rationale and methods behind those percentages because they don't pass the sniff test.
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1 reply by Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
May 06, 2025 5:01 AM
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
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Hi Keith,
I appreciate your candid feedback! You raise a valid point about the practicality of those percentages, especially regarding team management. It’s definitely worth discussing the rationale behind them further. Thanks for sparking this important conversation!
We can agree that this is an estimation. In fact, we can divide the PM time different ways, as he can manage the team while communicating with them at the same time. We can divide the PM work as Communication, analysis, checking and preparation for meetings and presentations.
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1 reply by Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
May 06, 2025 5:03 AM
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
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Hi Mohamad,
Great point! Estimations can definitely vary, and many tasks overlap, especially when it comes to communication and team management. I love your suggestion to break it down into those categories. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Best,
Golam
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
PM activities are not MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive). Actually, we do many of the activities mentioned while communicating. Communicating, teaming, and conflict resolution do not create much value in themselves, but enable other activities to create their value.
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1 reply by Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
May 06, 2025 5:04 AM
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
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Hi Thomas,
You make an excellent point! Many PM activities are indeed interconnected, and communication plays a crucial role in enabling value creation. Thanks for highlighting this important aspect!
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Jan 08, 2025 3:02 AM
Replying to Danny PMP, PgMP
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While the percentages mentioned are indicative, in reality, a Project Manager’s time is often dominated by human-related issues, particularly communication. Communication is at the heart of project management, as it drives coordination among teams, stakeholders, and vendors. Although the other tasks such as planning, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance, and budget control are equally important, it's the human interaction and constant communication that often require the most time and attention. This aspect of the role ensures that everyone is aligned, problems are addressed promptly, and the project progresses smoothly. Ultimately, the successful execution and completion of any project hinge not just on technical skills, but also on effective communication and people management.
Hi Danny,
Thank you for your thoughtful response! I completely agree that while the percentages provide a framework, the reality of project management is heavily influenced by human interactions. Effective communication truly is the glue that holds everything together, ensuring alignment and addressing issues as they arise. It’s fascinating how the balance of technical skills and people management shapes our success in projects. Appreciate your insights!
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Jan 08, 2025 7:23 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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This is a great example of how Gen AI tools need to be validated. Team Management activities listed above, for example, all require communication so I wouldn't view these as falling into the 10%.
I've always seen the remaining 10% as activities the PM does on their own to manage the project - analyzing variances as an example.
Kiron
Hi Kiron,
Thanks for your insightful comment! You make a great point about the interconnectedness of communication and team management. I appreciate your perspective on the remaining 10% being more about individual project management tasks. It’s always valuable to hear different viewpoints on this topic!
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Jan 08, 2025 9:04 AM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Golam, I do agree with Kiron. That said, those percentages are not set in stone and could be different from one project to another depending on so many factors.
Hi Rami,
Absolutely! I agree that the percentages can vary significantly based on the project context. It’s all about adapting to the unique challenges we face. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Jan 08, 2025 9:59 AM
Replying to Keith Novak
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It looks like numerical soup to me. For instance, 1% is team manangement which is unrealistically low at 24 minutes per week (< 5 min/day), and 80% of team management is communication. My followup question would be to explain the rationale and methods behind those percentages because they don't pass the sniff test.
Hi Keith,
I appreciate your candid feedback! You raise a valid point about the practicality of those percentages, especially regarding team management. It’s definitely worth discussing the rationale behind them further. Thanks for sparking this important conversation!
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