Blog

Topic of discussion: Should the PM be an expert and up to which level in the field / environment in which the project is executed.

The topic was discussed from different angles, pure project management, the project manager and business/ project owner view.

From a pure project management view. A project manager does not have to be an expert. The organisation must support the project manager to follow the project management guideline, processes and procedures as defined by PMI (PMBOK).

From a project manager view, it is a huge advantage to be knowledgeable in the field but does not have to be an expert on an execution level (technical).

From a business / project owner view, if one looks at the job adverts, 99% of them list as a requirement, technical know-how. Many project management positions that are advertised are project leader or product owner positions, which do require expert knowledge.