Managing Technology-Based Projects: Tools, Techniques, People and Business Processes

Chapter 3

The Effective Project Manager: Skills, Values and Agility

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS EMPHASIZED IN PMI'S ANNUAL REPORT

Under the topic of Enhancing Business Value around the World, PMI focuses on the critical importance of effective project management skills for competing successfully in today's uncertain business landscape. As stated by Peter Monkhouse, chair, 2012 PMI Board of Directors: “Project professionals must surpass expectations of the past—delivering results and value that achieve strategic objectives while also positioning their organizations to outpace the competition and secure future gains. And they're challenged with achieving all these objectives with fewer resources, tighter deadlines and more demanding requirements.” Four skill sets seem especially critical according to Career Central, PMI's hub for knowledge, connections and resources: (1) basic project management skills, (2) business acumen, (3) emotional intelligence and (4) assertiveness. Field research validates the importance of these essential skills and professional preparedness, as explained by Mark Langley, president and CEO of PMI: “Our research indicates that organizations that keep a sharp focus on fundamental project management practices are realizing huge results. By optimizing strengths and improving on weaknesses in the core project management practices, an organization puts far fewer dollars at risk for each project.”

3.1 PROJECT-BASED ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES AND VALUES

Project management ...