Do other PMs have any suggested alternatives to the term project sponsor? I am searching for a term for a stakeholder who has a comparable title and level of interest in the project to our project sponsor. The difference is that this person does not control project costs or resources, and he is uncomfortable being termed a sponsor. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Saving Changes...
Sarah, I am sure you understand anyone with any interest in project may be a stakeholder but sponsor is rhe one who supports and champions it. There might be many stakeholders who are in position to infkuence the project but we prefer to allocate the title of stakeholder to one person. Other major influencers may be called key stakeholders or whatever you want to name a specific stakeholder, knowing fully well she is not the sponsor. You may like to call this person as patron, champion, head of change control board, senior or key stakeholder. Saving Changes...
Phil BristolCEO| Projectivity SolutionsSacramento, Ca, United States
Sarah,
The suggestions from Suhail are excellent. The only add I can provide is Project Broker. In this context broker refers to a person who has a vested interest in the project outcome and functions as an intermediary between two or more parties to reach a collaborative result.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Hi Sarah,
there is a new standard regarding sponsors published by GAPPS. The role of the sponsor is described in vast details, here is a quote which might be interesting to you:
"The sponsor is an individual who may be called funder, owner, client, champion, senior responsible owner. The person appointed as a sponsor typically has a permanent position within the organization. The role of project sponsor is generally considered an additional, part time role." Saving Changes...
Susan McClearyDeputy Director for Exchange Operations| VA State Corporation Commission - Health Benefit Exchange DivisionRichmond, Va, United States
Sarah,
We've adopted the term "Lead Stakeholder" to identify the person responsible for bringing the other stakeholders along and operationalizing any business deliverables. The Sponsor is still there to provide the project level oversight and to provide people and dollars but the Lead Stakeholder generally catches (or ensures there are homes for) the deliverables. When those deliverables are business processes, we also designate Process Owners. Hope this helps! Saving Changes...
Michael AdamsSolutions Architect| LANLLos Alamos, Nm, United States
Hi Sarah,
Most of our projects have a sponsor, and a steering committee. If someone has that level of influence, I would ensure they are a member of the steering committee and call them a steering committee member! :-) Saving Changes...
For this role, one who doesn't have budgetary ownership, we have identified the role of a Business Lead.
A Business Lead serves as a primary representative for his/her sponsor. Key responsibilities outlined are that this role acts as the champion of the project, legitimize and demonstrates ownership and collaborates with internal and external areas; communicates strategic direction and value to the project team, provides advisory and oversight to the project team for planning and execution; helps drive alignment with related projects or programs under the same sponsor; develops the vision and strategic objectives for the project; participates in developing the business case; review and sign-off on approach and strategy.
