PM Roles

Irrespective of how the organization is structured, there are certain roles and responsibilities that are required in all projects. Different organizations may use different names for these roles but the responsibilities of each one will be the same.

1. The Project Stakeholders
Stakeholders are individuals and organizations that are actively involved in the project, or whose interests may be positively or negatively affected by the execution of the project. They may also exert influence over the project and its deliverables. The project management team must identify the stakeholders, determine their requirements and expectations, and manage their influence in relation to the requirements to ensure a successful project.

2. The Project Sponsor
The project sponsor is responsible for securing the financing and overall resource budget approval and owns the opportunities and risks related to the financial outcome of the project. An effective sponsor will be someone with the authority and personal drive to overcome major obstacles to completing the project. The role of the project sponsor is to approve and fund the project, but not to get involved in day-to-day management.

3. The Project Manager
The project manager is the person assigned by the performing organization to achieve the project objectives. The project manager has the authority to use cash and other resources up to the limit set in the project charter. A project manager should have experience in the project domain and should also be familiar with the processes that make up project management.