The project manger has a vital role in the execution of a project. Increasing business demands have made the role of a project manager essential and complex than ever before. A project manger needs to possess certain characteristics.

A project is managed through five process groups. They include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling. The final step is the closure of a project. The initiation of a project refers to proper and channelised allocation of resources. It is followed by planning. It refers to the identification of the process through which the project has to be executed. During execution, it is the responsibility of the project manger to monitor and look-after each step of the project. Under the supervision of the project manger, the project smoothly moves towards a fruitful closure.

Apart from the responsibilities of the project manager, some influencing factors need to be discussed. These factors include time, cost, and scope. A project manager has to consider, and cope with all these factors at every cost. He/she is responsible for developing an effective and productive project plan. He/she should be able to gain commitment on the project plan. A good project manager knows how to carry out the project with minimised scope creep. To accomplish his/her goal, he/she should be able to develop an efficient project team controlled by effective project control system. Practicing in all these steps, he/she should be able to proceed towards the efficient closure.

Additionally, good communication skills are very important in obtaining, and executing a project. So apart from all the above capabilities, he/she should also possess good communication skills to deal with his/her team, and the stakeholders. Moreover, a project manager should also possess good HR skills. These skills are critical for the efficient management of resources.

Many organisations employ desktop software applications as Microsoft Project and Microsoft excel to mange their projects. They may be helpful, but have some limitations. They are not sufficient for collaboration among many parties. At the least, they can facilitate the sharing of information through emails. Whereas the best service they can provide is through placing the files on the network, from where the team members can share it. Read the rest of this entry »