Fundamentals of Project Management, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 2The Role of the Project Manager

The role of project managers seems to be very misunderstood throughout the world. Because many project managers arrive at their position as a natural progression from their jobs as engineers, programmers, scientists, and other kinds of jobs, both they and their bosses see the job as a technical job. This simply isn’t true.

The primary responsibility of the project manager is to ensure that all work is completed on time, within budget and scope, and at the correct performance level.

If you remember that every project produces a product, service, or result, then there is a technical aspect to the job. However, it is a question of who is responsible for what, and project managers who must manage the project ...