Paul Naybour
1. Steering group
2. Sponsor
3. Project Manager
4. Team
5. Users
1. The steering group is responsible for representing the organisations best interests in achieving its strategic objectives through the project and authorise the business case to proceed. Also, the steering group and the sponsor usually work together and communicate regarding issues relating to the project. As such, the steering group are very interested in the progress of the project and may be responsible for signing off and approving stage and gate reviews, which can enable the project to progress. The steering group often gives advice to the Sponsor, representing the views of the organisation and often, stakeholders. It is important that the steering group receive updates and communication from the stakeholders and the project manager. Throughout the project, the steering group may engage and influence key stakeholders on the project. .
2. The Sponsor owns the business case and is responsible for ensuring that the organisations strategic objectives are realised through the project through benefits realization. The sponsor is often part of a steering group and will liaise closely with the Project Manger to understand any issues that may occur; suggesting a mechanism to deal with them. The sponsor will also liaise closely with the key stakeholders and engage with the users, in order to keep fully appraised of their requirements. The sponsor may have delegated responsibility from the organisation to approve and update the business case.
3. The Project Manager is responsible for delivering the project to time, cost and quality objectives. The Project Manager is responsible for leading the team and ensuring that they are motivated and capable of carrying out the work to achieve the project objectives. Also, the Project Manager owns the project management plan and may have produced it on behalf of the sponsor which details how, when, who and how much the project will cost. The PMP contains policies and procedures, roles, methods, schedules and cost details for the project. The Project Manager should escalate any issues and risks within the team, which cannot be resolved within the team to the Sponsor, who may be able to assist them.
4. The team is responsible for carrying out the functional tasks associated with the project, which may be defined by a work breakdown structure. The team support the Project Manager in achieving time cost and quality objectives and communicate any risks and issues within the team and to the Project Manager so they can be resolved.
5. The users are responsible for articulating the requirements of the project to the sponsor and or the steering board, so that the business case can be developed. The users are key stakeholders who should be communicated with throughout the life of the project, so that any changes to the requirements of the project can be communicated. Also, the users may be able to offer advice to the project as it evolves. At the end of the project, the users will be responsible along with the sponsor for confirming that the products conform to specification and they may also test the product.