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Project manager

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A project manager is a professional in the field of project management. They have the responsibility of the planning, execution, and closing of any project, typically relating to construction industry, architecture, computer networking, telecommunications or software development. Many other fields in the production, design and service industries also have project managers.

A project manager is the person accountable for accomplishing the stated project objectives. Key project management responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the triple constraint for projects, which is cost, time, and scope.

1 Risk
2 Construction Project Manager
3 Architectural Project Manager
4 Software Project Manager
5 Education and Industry Certifications
6 See also

Risk

Main article: Risk

Most of the project management issues that influence a project arise from risk, which in turn arises from uncertainty. The successful project manager focuses on this as his/her main concern and attempts to reduce risk significantly, often by adhering to a policy of open communication, ensuring that project participants can voice their opinions and concerns.

When recruiting and building an effective team, the manager must consider not only the technical skills of each person, but also the critical roles and chemistry between workers. A project team has mainly three separate components:

Project Manager
Core Team
Contracted Team

Construction Project Manager

In the past, construction project managers were individuals who worked in construction or supporting industries and were promoted to foreman. It was not until the late 20th century that construction and construction project management became distinct fields.

The profession has recently grown to accommodate several dozen Construction Management Bachelor of Science programs.

Until recently, the industry lacked any level of standardization, with individual States determining the eligibility requirements within their jurisdiction.

However, several Trade associations based in the United States have made strides in creating a commonly-accepted set of qualifications and tests to determine a project manager's competency.

The Project Management Institute has made some headway into being a standardizing body with its creation of the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
The Constructor Certification Commission of the American Institute of Constructors holds semiannual nationwide tests. Eight American Construction Management programs require that students take these exams before they may receive their Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree, and 15 other Universities actively encourage their students to consider the exams.
The Associated Colleges of Construction Education, and the Associated Schools of Construction have made considerable progress in developing national standards for construction education programs.-

(See also: Construction management)

Architectural Project Manager

An architectural project manager has many of the same skills as their counterpart in the construction industry. An architect will often work closely with the construction project manager in the office of the General contractor (GC), and at the same time, coordinate the work of the design team and numerous consultants who contribute to a construction project, and manage communication with the client. The issues of budget, scheduling, and quality-control are the responsibility of the Project Manager in an architect's office.

Software Project Manager

A software project manager is a project manager with a firm background in software development and related fields. They are often responsible for overseeing the Software development life cycle.

Unlike traditional project management, where a heavyweight, predictive methodology such as the waterfall model is often employed, software project management must deal with a much greater amount of uncertainty, so it tends toward lightweight, adaptive models such as SCRUM, XP and DSDM. Software project managers are responsible not only for implementing a successful development model, but also for seeing that each phase of development is successful.

Education and Industry Certifications

Individuals wishing to obtain professional certifications may take one or more of the offerings available from a variety of organizations.

The Project Management Institute offers CAPM, PgMP, and PMP certifications. The CAPM is the Certified Associate in Project Management certification, while the PgMP is the Program Management Professional certification. The PMP is the Project Management Professional certification.
The Canadian Construction Association CCA offers GSC as Project Manager.
The UK Office of Government Commerce offers PRINCE2 certification.
The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) offers Registered Project Manager (RegPM) certification.
There are other graduate degrees in project and technology management, such as an MSPM.
The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and its School of Program Management offers practitioner training in every element of project management for members of the Federal Government, Defense industry and allied nations.

However, the majority of all project management skills may be developed through the completion of a Ph.D, D.Phil or other similar higher Doctorate.

IPMA - is an international network of national project management societies such as Association for Project Management in the UK. IPMA serves as an umbrella organisation representing national societies which offer their certifications.