"Project management is the process of guiding a project from its beginning through its performance to its closure" (Portny, Mantel, Meredith, Shafer, Sutton, and Kramer, 2008, p. 3). This seems easy enough but there are so many variables that can affect a project manager's job. Let's not forget that the project manager is responsible for EVERY component of the project and that every part is completed satisfactory. This week, in our resources, the project manager was compared to an orchestra director (Laureate, n.d.). The director oversees all practices and is responsible for the success of the orchestra's performance and audience members' satisfaction. Similarly, the project manager needs to manage the personnel, finances, and ensure the clients are happy in the end. Easier said than done.
And, with that introduction, let the learning begin...
References:
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Project management and instructional design [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
McDonnell, C. (2013, Sept 6). Friday funny: The magical project manager. [Web log comment}. Retrieved from http://www.manageprojectsonsharepoint.com/blog/2013/09/06/friday-funny-magical-project-manager/
Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.