1/10

Project Management

Working withExecutives

Project Management

Working withExecutives

2/10

OutlineOutline

IntroductionThe Project SponsorHandling Disagreements with the SponsorThe In-House Representatives

IntroductionThe Project SponsorHandling Disagreements with the SponsorThe In-House Representatives

3/10

The Project SponsorThe Project Sponsor

4/10

The Executive Sponsor’s RoleThe Executive Sponsor’s RoleMajor participation in sales effort and contract

negotiationsEstablishes and maintains top-level client

relationshipsAssists project manager in getting the project

underway (planning, procedures, staffing, etc.)Maintains current knowledge of major project

activities (receives copies of major correspondence and reports, attends major client and project review meetings, visits project regularly, etc.)

Major participation in sales effort and contract negotiations

Establishes and maintains top-level client relationships

Assists project manager in getting the project underway (planning, procedures, staffing, etc.)

Maintains current knowledge of major project activities (receives copies of major correspondence and reports, attends major client and project review meetings, visits project regularly, etc.)

5/10

Executive Sponsor (Continued)Executive Sponsor (Continued)

Handles major contractual mattersInterprets company policy for the project

managerAssists project manager in identifying and

solving major problemsKeeps general management and company

management advised of major problems

Handles major contractual mattersInterprets company policy for the project

managerAssists project manager in identifying and

solving major problemsKeeps general management and company

management advised of major problems

6/10

Sponsor ActivitiesSponsor ActivitiesAssisting the project manager in establishing the

correct objectives for the projectProviding guidance for the project manager in

organizing and staffing the project teamExplaining to the project manager the

environmental/political factors that could influence the project’s execution

Establishing the priority for the project (either individually or through other executives) and informing the project manager of the established priority and the reason for the priority

Assisting the project manager in establishing the correct objectives for the project

Providing guidance for the project manager in organizing and staffing the project team

Explaining to the project manager the environmental/political factors that could influence the project’s execution

Establishing the priority for the project (either individually or through other executives) and informing the project manager of the established priority and the reason for the priority

7/10

Sponsor Activities (Continued)Sponsor Activities (Continued)

Providing guidance for the establishment of policies and procedures by which to govern the project

Functioning as the executive-client contact point

Providing guidance for the establishment of policies and procedures by which to govern the project

Functioning as the executive-client contact point

8/10

Sponsorship ProblemsSponsorship Problems

Problem-solving delaysUnresolved policy issuesLack of prioritizationWho resolves problems if the sponsor and

the project manager disagree?

Problem-solving delaysUnresolved policy issuesLack of prioritizationWho resolves problems if the sponsor and

the project manager disagree?

9/10

The In-House RepresentativesThe In-House Representatives

High-risk, high-priority projectsMay request plant touring, meeting with

line managersAct as project auditorCould a plus or minus to project

High-risk, high-priority projectsMay request plant touring, meeting with

line managersAct as project auditorCould a plus or minus to project

10/10

Project ManagementCompetitivenessProject ManagementCompetitiveness Strategic

CompetencyStrategic

Competency

Is thePathway to

Is thePathway to

SustainedCompetitiveAdvantage

SustainedCompetitiveAdvantage

Is theFoundation for

Is theFoundation for

ProjectManagementCompetencies

ProjectManagementCompetencies

Is theSource of

Is theSource of

ProjectManagement

Skills

ProjectManagement

SkillsLeads toLeads to

ImmaturityImmaturity MaturityMaturity ExcellenceExcellence

ProjectManagement

Training

ProjectManagement

Training