Many organisations mistakenly believe that it is up to the project manager to solve the organisation’s problems and make the project happen. Others just hire a project manager to be the scapegoat if things go wrong. But these strategies really just miss the whole point… if the project manager got hit by the proverbial bus, the project would not disappear or cease to exist – it still needs resources and commitment.
A project doesn’t work just because you have a good project plan, it requires organisational commitment via adequate resources and executives to smooth the way when things become difficult.
A project sponsor can fulfil these objectives. Just as a mentor would support and guide, the sponsor will provide the scope, objectives, risk management, quality expectations and benefits realisation plans that the project manager will implement. If these things aren’t understood – the sponsor discuss goals with the organisation’s executive to provide clarity.
