Project Management

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Topics: Aerospace and Defense, Consulting, Information Technology
Is a project manager also a technical expert or is it better to have project manager and a technical project manager?
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Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Each has their own advantages, so do YOU combine both or work together with a technical expert? Depending on the feedback we all could get a better idea and maybe it depends on the subject area. I look forward to your feedback and thank you in advance!
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Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Apr 11, 2017 9:40 AM
Replying to Ruben Dario Abello Medina
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In the past one of the PM of the team where i work has just few knowledge about the bussines of company, many people asked to others, even me: why is he leading the team if he don have IT technical knowledge background. I was pending how the team and work was going on, and I understood, how he leader the team, and look for the rigth person when he need to solve any issue. Thats was an incentive for team work.

After some time a new chief come with us for new projects, with large technical knowledge, many people on teams thinked that would be better that the other one. But, for me from my perception, he try to solve issues by deciding for himself, in most of cases, what he think is the rigth way

I learned from both of they, every one make his decisions and both of they finish his asigned project

Some techinical leaders maybe has not the skill to develop the team, but could very good for help on solve issues along the project

What I think is, It is not only about what a PM know, it is about how to be a good leader
Hello Ruben, thank you for your feedback. It is true that PM depends from person to person and the background. I think each has their own advantages, so in one case it would improve team work, but also being dependent from SME. In meetings one could provide directly feedback while the other one would have to consult the technical PM or SME. I also encourage teamwork and having SME, but sometimes it is not always possible to have a SME available when needed. Any PM should of course have the necessary soft skills for project management.
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1 reply by Ruben Dario Abello Medina
Apr 11, 2017 8:17 PM
Ruben Dario Abello Medina
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Hello Arif, I agree with you, a PM without deep knowledge, should consult SME or PM technology, and they maybe not always available. I think that is better that the PM has his own knowledge and can contribute to the project, not only directing plans and team, but guide them through his own experience.
And in some projects the PM need to know about the theme to guide it in the best way
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Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Apr 11, 2017 11:41 AM
Replying to Mark Eckman
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I am a firm believer that the PM should have at least some technical grounding in the subject matter of the project. That being said, I agree with the previous comments that trying have the PM also act as the Technical Lead or SME is short-sighted and foolish,
(at least on mid to large scale projects).
In the power generation industry, we are known for using our engineers as PM's for a lot of the more technical based projects. These usually end in schedule disasters and cost overruns and, surprisingly, a lot more scope creep.
Technical knowledge is not a substitute for proper Project Management and oversight or vice-versa. Each has its proper place and perspective.
Hello Mark, thank you for feedback. It is nice to read your feedback based on your experience. It is true that each has their own strengths and weaknesses. I wonder if a non-technical PM would do better. Maybe having both would help in order to avoid cost overruns, scope creep, ... but this depends on industry and/or complexity of the project(s).
Sometimes it is not possible to avoid cost overruns and scope creep even if it was managed by an expert PM, so sometimes it can difficult to manage a project even with the best resources.
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Edward Daniels Project Manager| Independent Glen Burnie, Md, USA
With unlimited funds, organizations can staff their heart content with as many professionals as they can imagine. However, we all know that senior management in most organizations are all about cutting costs, streamlining efforts and improving efficiency.

I would agree to have both a PM and a technical expert depending on the size and complexity of the project. Having one or the other brings its own pros and cons. A PM with no technical background may find it hard to connect with the team especially if he is new to an organzation and that in itself can set a project back due to lack of coordination or poor coordination.

A very technical person thrust into managing a project may feel overwhelmed with coordinating the different pieces that make up the entire project. The technical person rather than managing the teams and assigned tasks may end up doing the tasks while neglecting the project coordination aspect.

I have seen both and there were no winners. I would say depending on the size of the project, a small to medium size project can be entrusted to a technical lead under broad supervision of a Program manager / PMO to get things moving. They have to learn at some point to manage not just technology but people and processes as well.

We should all remember that project management is similar to an orchestra where all the instruments playing harmoniusly is a great thing. Project management is about dotting i's and crossing t's to ensure that our "temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service" is successful or at least gets to a point where we it ends or we can terminate it.
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1 reply by Arif PUNJWANI
Apr 12, 2017 2:43 AM
Arif PUNJWANI
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Hello Edward, thank you for your feedback. You are correct, you need both in order to connect with the team and manage the project. It also depends on coaching new project managers in their new role, so they can become better and are more effective (doing the right things).
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John Tieso Author, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & Economics Arlington, Va, USA
Let me observe that this does not have to be a complex issue. A PM should not be assigned to a project for which that person has no specific experience. It does not have to be in-depth, but the PM does need to know what direction needs to be pursued. In a very technical situation, the PM can assign a technical lead or adviser to look at the in-depth technical progress and suggest changes where needed. Do not create independent or possible independent fiefdoms where the two might decide to fight over who is right. The PM always has the ultimate lead, responsibility and accountability.
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1 reply by Arif PUNJWANI
Apr 12, 2017 2:48 AM
Arif PUNJWANI
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Hello John, thank you for your feedback. You are correct that the project manager should take the lead and he/she is responsible. The PM can be assisted by a technical lead or SME, but the PM stays responsable. The key is that the PM needs some experience and provide added value.
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Sergio Luis Conte Helping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based Organizations Buenos Aires, Argentina
Apr 11, 2017 1:52 PM
Replying to Arif PUNJWANI
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Hello Sergio, thank you for your feedback. I like your comparison of the orchestra director! Probably it also depends on the industry and sometimes the need of assigning a SME as a project manager (with project management training of course).
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.
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1 reply by Arif PUNJWANI
Apr 12, 2017 3:06 AM
Arif PUNJWANI
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Hello Sergio, the PM does not have to be a SME, but sometimes a SME grows into a "new" role as a project manager and with proper training and maybe coaching he/she can become a great PM.
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Ruben Dario Abello Medina PM Specialist| Barranquilla Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia
Apr 11, 2017 2:39 PM
Replying to Arif PUNJWANI
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Hello Ruben, thank you for your feedback. It is true that PM depends from person to person and the background. I think each has their own advantages, so in one case it would improve team work, but also being dependent from SME. In meetings one could provide directly feedback while the other one would have to consult the technical PM or SME. I also encourage teamwork and having SME, but sometimes it is not always possible to have a SME available when needed. Any PM should of course have the necessary soft skills for project management.
Hello Arif, I agree with you, a PM without deep knowledge, should consult SME or PM technology, and they maybe not always available. I think that is better that the PM has his own knowledge and can contribute to the project, not only directing plans and team, but guide them through his own experience.
And in some projects the PM need to know about the theme to guide it in the best way
...
1 reply by Arif PUNJWANI
Apr 12, 2017 3:08 AM
Arif PUNJWANI
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Hello Ruben, thank you!
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Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Apr 11, 2017 1:32 PM
Replying to Denise Canty
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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.
Hello Denise, thank you for your feedback. This is also my preference.
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Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Apr 11, 2017 2:19 PM
Replying to Philippe Schuler
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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.
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.
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Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Apr 11, 2017 3:14 PM
Replying to Edward Daniels
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With unlimited funds, organizations can staff their heart content with as many professionals as they can imagine. However, we all know that senior management in most organizations are all about cutting costs, streamlining efforts and improving efficiency.

I would agree to have both a PM and a technical expert depending on the size and complexity of the project. Having one or the other brings its own pros and cons. A PM with no technical background may find it hard to connect with the team especially if he is new to an organzation and that in itself can set a project back due to lack of coordination or poor coordination.

A very technical person thrust into managing a project may feel overwhelmed with coordinating the different pieces that make up the entire project. The technical person rather than managing the teams and assigned tasks may end up doing the tasks while neglecting the project coordination aspect.

I have seen both and there were no winners. I would say depending on the size of the project, a small to medium size project can be entrusted to a technical lead under broad supervision of a Program manager / PMO to get things moving. They have to learn at some point to manage not just technology but people and processes as well.

We should all remember that project management is similar to an orchestra where all the instruments playing harmoniusly is a great thing. Project management is about dotting i's and crossing t's to ensure that our "temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service" is successful or at least gets to a point where we it ends or we can terminate it.
Hello Edward, thank you for your feedback. You are correct, you need both in order to connect with the team and manage the project. It also depends on coaching new project managers in their new role, so they can become better and are more effective (doing the right things).
avatar
Arif PUNJWANI Cybersecurity Project Manager Consultant| IP3 Consulting Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium
Apr 11, 2017 4:53 PM
Replying to John Tieso
...
Let me observe that this does not have to be a complex issue. A PM should not be assigned to a project for which that person has no specific experience. It does not have to be in-depth, but the PM does need to know what direction needs to be pursued. In a very technical situation, the PM can assign a technical lead or adviser to look at the in-depth technical progress and suggest changes where needed. Do not create independent or possible independent fiefdoms where the two might decide to fight over who is right. The PM always has the ultimate lead, responsibility and accountability.
Hello John, thank you for your feedback. You are correct that the project manager should take the lead and he/she is responsible. The PM can be assisted by a technical lead or SME, but the PM stays responsable. The key is that the PM needs some experience and provide added value.
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