Project Management Central
Please login or join to subscribe to this thread
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Apr 10, 2017 12:22 PM
Replying to Bryce Tyrrell
...
In my experience having the technical backgrounds is what has made me a better project manager. I have worked in smaller organizations were having a PM, and a technical PM isn't an option. Having a technical background has helped be to assist the team out by stepping into a BA role or the second set of eyes on a problem. It has also assisted in estimating effort and duration. With my knowledge and the expertise of the rest of the team, estimating exercises seem to take less time and provide more granular results.
![]() Apr 10, 2017 2:21 PM
Replying to Wade Harshman
...
This question comes up a lot, on this forum. Many of us agree that it's always helpful to have technical knowledge, but whether or not it's "required" is up to the organization and the job description.
Here's another twist: is it better to have a competent project manager with no technical knowledge, or someone with a lot of technical knowledge but no project management background? Again, it depends on the organization and the job description. I have seen very successful project managers who had no domain knowledge when they entered their current field, and I have seen technical leaders who learned how to manage projects. ![]() Apr 10, 2017 2:24 PM
Replying to Naomi Caietti
...
Arif:
You don't mention the size, complexity,industry, contract details of the project but I assume it's a contract for an IT project. The beauty of the splitting the roles is understanding the roles, focus and deliverables. Certainly, it will save you money to have one person as the PM/Technical Lead/Engineer. You may wish to consider one of many roles: Systems Engineer Enterprise Architect Data Architect Network Engineer Etc. There are many roles but industry type may change the technical roles you are looking to fill. ![]() Apr 10, 2017 3:33 PM
Replying to Edgar Garcia
...
Hi Arif,
I can think of using a mechanic to troubleshoot any vehicle electrical issue. The mechanic might be able to perform basic troubleshooting and the risk of not being able to fix it is high. On the other hand if the car is taken to the right shop the risk of not fixing the issue is lower. The above does not insure one or the other fixing or fail to fix the issue but there is a lower risk when the proper resource is assigned to perform any job. Of course this is only my humble opinion. Thank you for sharing this question. ![]()
Denise Canty
Agile Coach, Life Coach, Author, Senior Project-Program Manager| Cenden Company
Washington, Dc, USA
I don't think you need two project managers on a project. I think that the PM needs to quickly come up to speed as the technical project manager.
...
1 reply by Arif PUNJWANI
Apr 12, 2017 2:20 AM
Arif PUNJWANI
...
Hello Denise, thank you for your feedback. This is also my preference.
![]() Apr 10, 2017 3:48 PM
Replying to Vincent Guerard
...
On large projects I would go for 2 persons. One would manage the project, the other oversee all technical matters. I have see many project succeed in that approach.
Smaller project can be a different choice. My experience is when you put a technical person, when the project start to be behind the get involve in the technical aspect instead of solving the source of the problem. ![]() Apr 10, 2017 4:49 PM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
A project manager is like an orchestra director: she/he must have knowledge for each involved instrument but she/he must not be an expert for each instrument.There are a lot of examples outside there about the benefit one or other approach (expert vs knowledge) get to any type of projects. Is a paradox for lot of people: in one said they have complains about the project manager role is consider tactic in their organizations. On the other side the same people firmly believe that a project manager must be an expert in one field. If the organization consider that you are an expert in one field forget about the organization will consider you in the side of strategy.
...
1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Apr 11, 2017 6:48 PM
Sergio Luis Conte
...
That is the problem: thinking that it depends on the industry. A project manager must not be a subject matter expert. When we accept that we accept that the project manager is not a project manager. Is a leader, expeditor or any other type defined into the PMBOK but not a project manager.
![]() Apr 10, 2017 8:25 PM
Replying to Liana Underwood
...
These are definitely two separate roles. While it helps to have technical knowledge as a PM, and some PM like skills as a technical lead, it is far better to have two people filing the roles well. I've seen many instances of technical resources being forced into the project management role. Bad idea. There is a reason each profession has schooling, and technical training to make them superior in their management or projects or grasp of architecture or coding. Any organization looking to cut costs and make folks work in both roles are doomed to disappointment with mediocre or bad results.
![]()
Philippe Schuler
Senior Instructor/Lecturer in Project/Program/Account PMO Management| Independant Consultant
Les Choux, France
A Project Manager should have a good knowled on the domain he/she manages project but should focus on management not on expertise. Except on very small projects one person could play both roles.
...
1 reply by Arif PUNJWANI
Apr 12, 2017 2:26 AM
Arif PUNJWANI
...
Hello Philippe, thank you for your feedback. Correct, the PM should have some knowlegde, but not focus on expertise. The knowlegde should support the project management activity and provide added value. In smaller projects it can be done by the same person and can be effiecient.
![]() Apr 11, 2017 6:24 AM
Replying to Drew Craig
...
A Project Manager is required to be proficient in project management. There are separate roles for technical experts; technical lead, SME, or technical manager.
As Liana, and others, point out, I have witnessed technical resources placed into a project management role with sub par results at best. Walking through the weeds makes it difficult to view the field. |
Please login or join to reply
ADVERTISEMENTS
"Opera is where a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings." - Robert Benchley |