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Pros and Cons of being a Non-technical Project Manager and how to overcome the cons?

Hello guys,

 

I just wanted to get your take on this matter and what would you think would be the best way ?

Do you really think it is absolute essential to be a complete technical guy of that domain to be a good Project Manager ?

If some what technical is good then how much would that be :) ? References to the IT field would be much appreciated.

 

Regards,

Azfar Ayub

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Question added by Azfar Ayub , Sr. Project Manager , eDev Technologies
Date Posted: 2015/02/01
Azfar Ayub
by Azfar Ayub , Sr. Project Manager , eDev Technologies

A few days back I found a perfect article that address my questions.

 

https://hbr.org/2015/06/leading-people-when-they-know-more-than-you-do?

SAURABH JAIN
by SAURABH JAIN , Manager , SAPIENT CONSULTING LTD

A Manager should be able to manage the various tasks which are necessary for the successful execution of the project. At a Managerial Level, he is not supposed to code or work on the ground but he should update himself with the trends & tools used. He should be functionally sound to explain the desired outcome of the project. He should be able to add and comprehend the Maximum Business Value for the Business.

RANVIR SINGH
by RANVIR SINGH , Sr.Engineer Electrical , Fajar Al-Khaleej Cont. &Trd. Co. WLL

Project Manager must be a technical Man of its value otherwise he will transfer his duties to his subordinates as a Good Manager and the Results/Performances also.

So it is totally depends on type of Organizational Management.

DR MD ANWAR HOSSAIN
by DR MD ANWAR HOSSAIN , Moderator , bayt.com

Good answer from our above experts.

In my team we have many PM's who don't have technical background. We believe in communications, confidence and organisational sills which you can't learn at the university. One of our project managers shared her story on our blog - actually, she graduated in philology. Feel free to comment: https://netguru.co/blog/it-technical-project-manager

Nabeel Amir
by Nabeel Amir , Project manager , Coeus Solutions GmbH

Project Managers does not have to technical in that field although this depends on the preference of the organization.

As a non technical project manager, you just have to focus on management aspect of the project. You can do the following:

1. Plan wisely

2. Make sure the deadlines are met

3. Analyze the risk and have a contingency plan

4.  Make sure that the project delivered is in scope and for that you will have to make sure that all stakeholders agree to the scope of the project. Once the scope is agreed upon by all stakeholders, keep an eye on any possible scope creep

5. Ensure the proper testing of the project before delivering

6. Keep the technical lead of the project on the same page as you are. 

By following these steps, all stake holders will see that you are in control of the project and you will be successful. 

Khurram Imran
by Khurram Imran , Trainee Engineer , DG Khan Cement Co. Ltd.

A non-technical manager would lead to a creep project i.e the project will be delayed .problem solving teams and tools should be incorporated to solve this problem. 

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