PM-in-Training Guide

First and foremost, a successful Project Manager must routinely be able to perform the following basic management functions:

developing the project members into a cohesive team whose primary objective is to deliver a service that meets the client’s needs in such a manner that the client will select BL for additional projects and recommend us to others. Project Managers have other duties that place demands on their time. A Project Manager might have the responsibility for several projects and, in effect, be a “projects” manager. They will likely also wear other “hats” and be involved in business development, or be a member of another project team. Nevertheless, when assigned a project to complete, the Project Manager is expected to bring to bear all the necessary resources and fulfill BL’s contractual obligations. In addition, the Project Manager is expected not only to assume leadership of the work, but may also need to make a technical contribution to the project through their own efforts depending on the project and/or situation. The Project Manager at a certain level has the authority to enter into contracts and make business commitments on behalf of BL. They are fully responsible for the day-to-day decisions on their projects. It is important the Project Manager’s role is communicated clearly and understood not just by the Project Manager, but also by the rest of the team and the client. Project Managers must be leaders, but they are also responsible for many administrative details. Strong Project Managers have projects that are completed on time and are profitable with high quality and satisfied clients.

− Planning − Scheduling − Estimating and Budgeting

− Monitoring progress and performance − Taking corrective action as required

In order to accomplish these functions, the Project Manager must be very adept at:

− Communication : both oral and written − Coordination : both inside and outside of BL − Delegation : of the right task to the right person − Administration : taking care of each and every detail − Training and Mentoring : of everyone on the team − Prioritization : knowing those critical activities that must be done next − Marketing and Sales : winning new work from current and new clients − Financial Performance : making the targeted profit and collecting accounts receivable A Project Manager job description can be found on the Intranet (links on page 9 of this document) which outlines the essential duties and responsibilities required of a Project Manager. The Project Manager must be both a project leader and team builder. These responsibilities go beyond identifying individual tasks and directing personnel to deliver the project. They also entail

Acknowledgements Portions of the content contained within this educational guide are taken from PSMJ Resources, Inc.’s “The 2012 Ultimate Project Management Manual” , which can be obtained in its entirety at www.PSMJ.com.

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