There is always this dilemma with software project management. How 'technical' should a Project manager be? I do not have a technical foundation ( I am basically an MBA with about 8 yrs of exp. in software project management) but have handled various challenging projects successfully. If it really makes a difference, where does one start gaining through knowledge in this maze of technologies? Is it advisable at all? Saving Changes...
A Project Manager does not have to be 'Technical'. Your experience is an example of this.
It does help a great deal if you have a technical background. If you don't, you'll have to rely on a Technical Project Lead. I would make sure my team hasa strong technical lead if I do not have a technical background.
If you are keen on knowing technical stuff, a good place to start would be with the technology that your project is currently using. For example, XML is a technology that is currently being used in most projects. You could read on fundamentals of XML and once you think you have good grasp of it move on to XSLT and Web Services. You might want to start on some programming language fundamentals if you don't have those. The level you want to go to depends on your interest in the technology and where you want to take it.
Hope that helps Saving Changes...
Anonymous
True, I agree with you. But being a Saving Changes...
Anonymous
True, I agree with you. But being a 'not-so-technical' project manager, how closely should you monitor activities? Do you have to monitor it up to detailed daily tasks or by weekly major tasks? Saving Changes...
Anonymous
I would think you need to be 'technical-enough' to understand the project, including tasks and goals of the project. Other than that, the PM skills should transfer from one industry to the next. Saving Changes...
I don't think your level of technical ability has a direct correlation to how you monitor tasks/deliverables. Such concerns are only appropriately addressed by having confidence (or a lack of) in your team. If you trust them to deliver without your guidance - then you can do so. Saving Changes...
I've had this discussion a few times. If you are a Professional Project Manager (certified) then, theoretically, you should be able to manage any project. For instance one of the case studies for my exam was to do with boat building - and I'm an ITPM. In reality things can be different. Imagine if you are working in a large organisation where resource is stretched. Time constraints on an IT Project are tight, and yet you as the PM need to make judgement calls on the health of the project by looking at the information presented to you. Having a strong technical lead is fine, but you have to be careful roles and decisions that belong firmly to the PM aren't left in their hands. Has the project and people got the time to brief you fully on implications and complications? Look at most job advertisements for PM's. Most of them stipulate that you need to have a certain level of knowledge with specific technology. Definately learn as much technology as you possibly can. Saving Changes...
I liked the discussion on project managers with lesser technical knowledge and still been able to handle projects successfully. I am a guy with a background with the Armed forces, which taught me all the qualities of getting the job done with the available resources and inculcated a fantastic leadership and personal skill. I also finished my Masters in Engineering and presently doing my MBA in Information management. I want to make my entry into corporate world in PM field in the IT industry. I am doing a project on PM. Can any one suggest some topics which can be taken as a project work which will also enrich me and at the same time give me a leverage in the IT industry. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Take a look at one of the Project Management Institute's (PMI) publications entitled "Project Manager Competency Development Framework". You can buy one at: http://www.pmibookstore.org/PMIBookStore/p...mID=226&varID=1 and other places as well. You don't have to be associated with PMI. The Competency Framework sets a rather high standard for PMs. When it comes down to learning more about PM skills versus learning a new technology, I will gravitate to the PM skills. Having comptenecy in the technology of your project is, without question, an added value. You have to have some background to know what you are managing. I'm involved in IT projects, and doubt that I'll ever be considered for managing nuclear power plant construction (smile). Saving Changes...
