Project Charter

Project Charter

PROJECT CHARTER 3 You are the manager of the production department, and the project manager will come from your group. This will be a first, as normally the project managers come from the marketing department. You need to assess the various people in your group and identify the person with the best skills. You will start by creating a job description for the position, focusing on the skills needed. Prepare at least 5 paragraphs that list skills that are needed by the project manager for each phase in the Project Life Cycle, emphasizing the differences in skills needed between the various phases. Next, craft a high-level job posting that identifies the responsibilities, the skills required, and the experiences needed.

Paper For Above instruction

The decision to appoint a project manager from within the production department marks a significant shift from traditional organizational structures, where such roles are often assigned from the marketing or project management departments. This shift underscores the importance of a tailored skill set that aligns with the specific demands of the production environment and the unique phases of the project life cycle. Developing a comprehensive job description requires an understanding of the distinct skills necessary at each project phase—initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing—and how these differ from each other.

During the initiation phase, the project manager must demonstrate strong leadership and strategic thinking skills. They should possess the ability to clearly define project objectives, identify stakeholders, and assess risks early on. Effective communication skills are vital to facilitate alignment among team members and stakeholders and to ensure that the project’s purpose and scope are well understood. Problem-solving skills are crucial in this phase, as the project manager must anticipate potential obstacles and engage in preliminary planning to address them. An understanding of the production processes and technical expertise relevant to the department is also essential to accurately assess project feasibility and resource requirements.

In the planning phase, the project manager’s skill set expands to include detailed project scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation competencies. They need to demonstrate meticulous organizational skills and proficiency with project management tools such as Gantt charts and resource management software. Communication must be precise to coordinate among various team members and departments, ensuring everyone understands their roles and deliverables. The ability to develop comprehensive risk management plans and establish clear success criteria becomes paramount in this phase. Technical knowledge specific to production operations supports realistic planning and helps in foreseeing potential bottlenecks or technical challenges.

Execution is the phase where leadership and interpersonal skills come to the forefront. The project manager must motivate the team, resolve conflicts efficiently, and adapt to unforeseen changes swiftly. Technical expertise remains important, especially concerning the equipment, methods, and standards pertinent to production. The ability to monitor progress through quantitative metrics and to manage resources effectively ensures the project stays on schedule and within budget. Strong problem-solving skills and decisiveness are necessary to handle issues promptly while maintaining team cohesion and morale. Technical communication skills are essential to relay complex issues clearly and effectively to stakeholders and team members alike.

Monitoring and controlling require the project manager to have analytical skills and attention to detail. They must continuously review project performance data and make data-driven decisions to keep the project aligned with its goals. Skills in quality control, risk mitigation, and change management are vital here. The project manager should be adept at using various monitoring tools to identify deviations early and implement corrective actions swiftly. During this phase, proficiency in handling stakeholder communications, reporting, and documentation is also critical. Approaching the closing phase, the project manager needs organizational skills to facilitate project completion, conduct lessons learned sessions, and ensure proper handover processes are followed, highlighting the need for thoroughness and closure management capabilities.

Based on the comprehensive assessment of skills required across all project phases, the high-level job posting for this internal project manager should outline responsibilities such as leading project planning, executing project activities, monitoring progress, managing resources, and ensuring timely delivery. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of production processes, possess strong leadership, communication, and technical problem-solving skills. Experience in project management within a manufacturing or production setting, along with familiarity with project management tools and methodologies, will be essential. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams, navigating technical challenges, and delivering results within complex production environments.

References

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