Question

Define the roles and responsibilities of a project manager. Show how the project manager manages the triple constraints of a project.

Answer 1

The role of a project manager involves leading the project and ensuring the completion of the project within the specified time limit. All the activities from project planning to project delivery are under the control of the project manager. A project manager needs to ensure that the project meets all the deliverables promised to the client. Project manager also has the responsibility to communicate with the project sponsor, client and team members regarding the requirements and get the things done on time. The necessary approvals for the project activities should be taken by the project manager on time. Project manager also needs to manage project risks effectively. Other responsibilities of the project manager includes managing the project effectively, ensuring better interrelationships among the team members, resolving conflicts and guide them to achieve the vision set.

The main constraints related to a project include time, scope and cost and these are called the triple constraints of a project. A project manager needs to ensure that the projects are completed within these constraints. Every project would have a certain deadline to complete the project and the project manager should lead the project using the available resources and ensure that the project is delivered within the committed time. Another constraint is scope and it defines what needs to be achieved and sets the boundaries for the activities that can be performed as part of the project. The project manager has the responsibility to ensure that all the activities fall within the scope of the project. Cost involves the budget allocated for the project and the project manager needs to plan the activities without overshooting the budget. The changes in any of these constraints would affect the other two constraints and the project manager needs to manage the changes after taking necessary approval from the client.