Project Management vs Managing Projects
Been having a discussion this week with a couple of Certified Project Managers about the difference between Project Management and successfully managing projects. One of my biggest frustrations is the idea that following the PMBOK will result in a successful project outcome.
Project Management is an academic and professional discipline with a set of specific tools. Being knowledgeable and certified will not necessarily result in a well managed project. People that manage projects effectively understand that at its core success requires:
- A start and a finish,
- Setting Objectives,
- Organizing,
- Motivating and Communicating,
- Measuring and
- Developing People
Managing a project successfully requires understanding the first bullet and fulfilling the remaining ones effectively and efficiently. Project Management tools and techniques can be used, but the most sophisticated work-breakdown structure or GANT chart only has value when completed in the pursuit of Drucker’s roles of management.
