Project manager in IT
Who is a project manager or project manager in a company? There is no clear definition yet, but it is known for sure that this position implies responsibility for planning, leading and executing projects.
Probably the first project managers appeared in the IT sphere. This is where it is so important to coordinate all the links of the project to make it qualitative and on time.
Let’s look at an example – the development of websites
Stages of the development of sites are clear and do not seem to require much attention from the project manager. After all, just get the terms of reference from the customer and things will go as smoothly as possible to a triumphant conclusion in the form of a working site without bugs.
But in practice it is not so. Working on the site – a team effort. Developers, designers, promotion specialists, etc. – it’s people! And people tend to slow down their work and, consequently, the work of the team.
Here comes on the scene a savior – the project manager!
What are the tasks facing him?
- Project management.
This includes obtaining terms of reference from the customer, drawing up a brief and filling it with the customer, timing and quality control, the calculation of risks to the budget, and more.
- Communication with the customer
Interaction with the customer is an important part of the project manager’s work. Stress tolerance and the ability to negotiate are important here. The project manager conducts regular coordination of each stage of development – the action plan, deadlines, budgets.
- Communication with the development team
This job is very similar to the HR – it is important to motivate the team, set the tone and rhythm of the work, evaluate the results, agree on deadlines.
- Maintaining documentation
Technical and project documentation is an important part of a project manager’s work. He should always have a report on any stage of negotiations with customers or developers. Proper record-keeping frees the customer and the management of the IT company from unnecessary questions to the project manager.
Competencies
- Technical
The question about the competences of a project manager in IT remains open. Does he have to have a fine understanding of the technical part of development or not?
There are two approaches and each of them has proved its right to life. Certainly, it is important for a manager to understand the development process itself in order to set adequate deadlines for tasks and correctly estimate them.
- Managerial
Certainly, the project manager must have the skills to manage a large team of developers. It is he who is their “face” to the customer.
- Communication
Perhaps the core competence a project manager must possess. Communication with the client, the team, the management must be as efficient as possible.
It is more convenient for the customer to communicate on his task with one person who will be able to answer all the questions related to the order. That is why a project manager is indispensable in the IT sphere.
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