Is it necessary for project managers to be subject matter expert in the area of the project they are working on? For example, how important is to be a Continuous Improvement specialist when managing CI projects? Saving Changes...
This is a frequently debated question, but even PMI acknowledges (through their Talent Triangle) that an effective PM requires "some" domain expertise related to the scope of their projects.
So with the example you provide, while a PM may not necessarily need to be an LSS Black Belt, if the project they are managing happens to involve some LSS scope, having taken a course in it or achieving their Yellow Belt would at least ensure that they can ask good questions and they understand the delivery approach.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Being a subject matter expert isn't essential, but the more you know about a subject, the easier it will be to discuss it with actual subject matter experts. Also, the more you know, the more others will respect your decisions. Few people are happy being told what to do by someone they regard as clueless. Knowing a bit about a subject could prevent problems from rebellious team members and stakeholders.
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1 reply by Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani
Nov 15, 2017 11:56 AM
Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani
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Yeah, In that way I believe the Project Management is a tool. So it should be taught in university like Math. Everybody needs it. And last but not the least: being a PMP or project management expert is just for research/consulting purposes only. Investing on it may be not required or feasible as a practitioner.
Being a subject matter expert isn't essential, but the more you know about a subject, the easier it will be to discuss it with actual subject matter experts. Also, the more you know, the more others will respect your decisions. Few people are happy being told what to do by someone they regard as clueless. Knowing a bit about a subject could prevent problems from rebellious team members and stakeholders.
Yeah, In that way I believe the Project Management is a tool. So it should be taught in university like Math. Everybody needs it. And last but not the least: being a PMP or project management expert is just for research/consulting purposes only. Investing on it may be not required or feasible as a practitioner. Saving Changes...
In my experience, you don't need "expertise" you need some knowledge. Saving Changes...
Krishna PakkiProject Services Manager| Rio TintoGilbert, Az, United States
In multi-disciplinary projects, a PM can not have expertise in all Domains... however, he should have the skills to understand the scope and integrate all domains and processes. When it comes to a PM role of one domain or section, he should have expertise on his Domain.... its more like what level of org structure you are delivering your PM responsibility. Hope that makes some sense.
- Krishna
PM needs to understand the overall integration aspects of the scope. In my area of SAP ERP project implementations it is essential to have a broad process integration understanding, for example in inbound/ outbound and production logistics. But the PM does not need to be an MRP subject matter expert knowing all details and variants of MRP planning aspects. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
You do not need to be a subject matter expert on the domain. But you need to have knowledge about the domain.
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1 reply by Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani
Nov 17, 2017 11:17 AM
Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani
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I agree, however, most of employers only prefer subject matter experts to manage projects.
In multi-disciplinary projects, a PM can not have expertise in all Domains... however, he should have the skills to understand the scope and integrate all domains and processes. When it comes to a PM role of one domain or section, he should have expertise on his Domain.... its more like what level of org structure you are delivering your PM responsibility. Hope that makes some sense.
- Krishna
