Page 74 - DMGT521_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 5: Functions of a Project Manager

Introduction Notes

A project is an allocation of capital and human resources to achieve time-specific objectives.
Project management is the procedure and techniques used to achieve project objectives, which
includes identifying, prioritising and scheduling tasks to systematically effect rapid change.
Many companies are “managing organisations by projects,” using projects as a way to achieve
business goals and strategic plans.

5.1 Functions of a Project Manager

The functions are as follows:

1. A project manager has to deliver the performance with better success rates.
2. He is responsible for keeping in touch with the clients who have assigned the project to his
company and make them aware of the status of the work finished.

3. He should be able to lead his team and bring out the best in them.
4. A project manager is also responsible for developing a good dialog and communication
with the team member for the success of the project.

5. It is his responsibility to perform efficiently and honestly.
6. By the virtue of being a manager, he has to maintain confidentiality.
7. He is responsible for establishing easy communication between the employees and the
higher authority.
8. In case of emergency, he should be able to solve problems for his team members.
9. He is responsible for good team building, which is defined by success.
10. He is responsible for accomplishing project objectives and the outcome (success or failure)
of the project.

5.2 Roles and Responsibilities of a Project Manager

Project Manager Duties and responsibilities are closely related to each other. The terms go hand
in hand with a fine line of distinction. A project manager’s role in the growth of a company is a
significant one. Find in this article a detailed information on the duties and responsibilities of
the project manager.

A manager is someone who manages the five Ms of a business, namely men, material, machine,
money and motivating factors. A project manager receives formal project management training
to deal with any project, closely related with construction, architecture, telecommunications
and other infrastructural projects. Project managers also manage projects related to the fields of
design, sales and services. Basically, the job description of a project manager is to manage the
project that he is assigned with. Hence, he becomes accountable for both, starting the project as
slated, and finishing it on time.

5.2.1 Difference between Duty and Responsibility

Duties and responsibilities go hand in hand. However, there is a fine line of distinction between
the two. Duty is a task performed by a person out of his job profile and responsibilities are
obligations for which he is accountable. All duties may not be responsibilities, but all
responsibilities are duties. For example, it is a manager’s duty to manage the task, but it is not

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