I agree to your argument. But the whole purpose of PMP is to standardize the process that anyone without Domain experience can handle the project. This discussion is bit more complicated but there are people without domain experience performing at various levels in the organization. But in my opinion people can get domain experts or learn about the domain if they are willing to spend time. But ultimately it boils down to Leadership qualities and decision making skills, which is very important for successfully execution of a project.
Although my background is in IT, I have had to lead multiple business projects where I had no knowledge of the industry and what I find is that yes, the PM processes are the same, but without the domain knowledge I feel like I am not as effective as I can be. For example, in IT, when I have a group of resources debating on a course of action, after listening to all sides I can drive the team to a conclusion and a decision. I was able to do this in one meeting as I had the background domain knowledge to weigh in and provide a PM direction. On the business side, as I had no domain knowledge, I was not able to contribute that much to help the group come to a final decision. There were many back and forth, many 1:1 sessions to understand the history and background for the team to come to finally come to a conclusion which in my mind made me very ineffective. Saving Changes...
I did many times and seen this situation with my colleagues in their projects. I just try to use system integrative approach and handle with this issue "lack of expertise in subject matter" as a risk. My risk mitigation strategy may incl. having strong and reliable industry sub.mat. expert (consultant) in project team, self-education & training, outsoursing and special quality assurance procedures. It might be reasonable to share PM role with techlead (project chief engineer) and/or setup a sub-project and/or hire contractor on turn-key basis. And of course we speak about this risk with the project sponsor before we start Saving Changes...
Ayman ZahranSR. PROJECT ENGINEER| xYanbu, Saudi Arabia
From my personal experience, Non-Familiar topic projects can be led by an expert project managers. project management team shall support the project manager for required technical prospective to handle the project. Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
Yes, but it depends on how the organization defines the role of "project manager."
A PM with solid project management skills could manage a construction project without construction experience if the company hired the PM for their PM skills. I've seen this done.
Another construction company might hire a "project manager" who is really a project lead or contractor. This person still needs project management skills, but is really hired for domain knowledge.
Similarly, an IT company may post a position for "IT Project Manager," but they really want a senior programmer. A pharmaceutical company might want a "Project Manager" who can also manage a lab and work with new graduates.
It's something we all need to be aware of when we interview. Saving Changes...
I started managing software projects in a hi-tech company, moved to state government (transportation cabinet), moved to a large consulting (non-tech) firm, and then moved to a health insurance company where I still manage software projects.
I am of the belief a good project manager can dig in and manage most projects. Learning the domain is important though. Saving Changes...
There will always be a first time for everything. The key is to observe and to always ask questions when you don't understand. Make use of your honeymoon period to get up to speed and start learning that domain knowledge. Saving Changes...
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