What is Project Management: Definition, Types, Key Features & More

For example, in architecture, the plan starts with an idea, progresses to drawings, and moves on to blueprint drafting, with numerous little pieces coming together between each step. Lean and Six Sigma (Lean Six Sigma) is a process improvement methodology. Lean relies on numerous techniques and business tools to achieve reduction of waste and expanded productivity. The Lean transformation is often drastic, requiring a change in culture throughout an organisation.

project manager definition

Although most roles require some experience, everyone has to start somewhere. If you want to move into a project management role, identify parts of your work history where you have experience with communications, planning, budgeting and managing. As a company grows, one of the most vital positions to staff is a project manager. If you’re wondering what a project manager does, the tasks are in the name.

Project Management Professional(PMP) Job Description, Skills, and Salary

The initiation phase plays a pivotal role in preparing the foundation for a successful project, as it helps to establish a clear vision and direction for the project and ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page. Buisson and his team were able to properly navigate project challenges, operational risk, and communication management with key stakeholders. They successfully delivered the project on time and on budget—without any major mishaps—utilizing the PMBOK Guide from the Project Management Institute, the standard guide for project management professionals. Project management can be a challenging career, but you’ll never face those challenges alone.

The project managers can delegate work and schedule better if they have the required technical know-how. Such expertise would also earn them the respect of their team members. Project managers supervise the functioning of every limb of a project team. So, although subject matter expertise isn’t a prerequisite for project management, it would aid task and team management.

What Is Project Management?

A career as a project manager can be exciting, varied, fulfilling, and productive. “I’ve been a project manager for nearly 10 years, and started the role a little further into my working life than others (I was previously a people manager). This role profile applies how to become a project manager to programme managers operating at intermediate level. At this level, a programme manager can typically lead a programme of limited complexity or assist on a complex programme, following the appropriate governance applied for the determined life cycle.

You’ll often work alongside team members and use software or online tools specifically designed to streamline the process. Projects can greatly vary in size, ranging from small tasks to large initiatives. They can be classified according to industry, source of financing or project management technique.