The Role Of Teamwork In Project Management

Many companies have set goals created by executives or management to ensure regular operations. But, sometimes, a company may face issues that require process improvement or problem-solving. In situations where a company needs to accomplish a specific task or goal, it is common to create a project team. By doing so, the organization can ensure continued success and achievement of their objectives. This article explains what a project team is, identifies the five typical roles within a project team, and provides responses to common questions regarding project teams.

A project team refers to a collection of individuals working together to achieve shared goals and objectives. Each member of the team has unique tasks and obligations that aid in accomplishing the project’s goals. The team usually comprises different specialists with varying expertise, skills, and experience due to the participation of multiple individuals. Project teams are usually cross-functional, which means they may have members from different departments or teams within the organization. A project team typically includes a project sponsor, a project manager, project stakeholders, project team members, and a business analyst.

Besides staff members, a project team can contain people who have a business association with the organization or have specialized knowledge in a particular field. The team’s composition depends on the project’s requirements, and members can work either full-time or part-time. Some team members may work on the project for its entire duration, while others may only participate in specific stages.

5 typical roles on a project team:

To guarantee the triumph of a project, it is essential to have a diverse set of roles within the team, where each member is assigned specific duties or responsibilities that contribute to the project’s success. These roles may include:

1. Project manager:

The successful completion of many projects depends on a project manager who plays a crucial role in ensuring that the project is completed within the allotted budget and schedule. They work as a liaison between the project team members and stakeholders, ensuring that each party is kept informed of the project’s progress and expectations.

A project manager’s duties may involve:

  • Developing a project schedule and setting deadlines based on stakeholder requests and project requirements
  • Acquiring staff to work on the project
  • Regularly updating the company and project partners on the project’s status
  • Monitoring the budget to ensure that the project does not exceed its allocated resources
  • Delegating responsibilities to project team members based on their specific roles and skillsets within the organization
  • Procuring resources to support team members in carrying out their responsibilities
  • At times, the project manager may involve a project coordinator or an assistant to assist in accomplishing these tasks.

2. Project team member

A project team member can be anyone, regardless of their employment status, and may include both internal staff and external individuals, such as experts, consultants. The allocation of duties to team members is done by the project manager taking into consideration their expertise, experience, and position within the company. In more extensive projects, team leaders may oversee their team members.

The obligations of project team members include the following:

  • Contributing to achieving the project’s overall objectives
  • Finishing their tasks within the given budget and time frame
  • Collaborating with end-users to identify the business requirements
  • Providing expertise in their respective fields
  • Documenting the project’s processes.

3. Project sponsor

The person who sponsors a project is usually a high-level manager who ensures the project’s success by providing resources and support. A project sponsor is responsible for supporting the project within the organization and assisting in communication between the project manager and the executive team. They are typically senior-level executives and have duties that may include:

  • Making significant business decisions related to the project
  • Approving changes to the project’s budget or schedule
  • Regularly communicating with the project manager and team members to ensure goals are aligned and necessary resources are provided
  • Resolving conflicts among team members that the project manager cannot handle.

4. Project stakeholders

Project stakeholders or collaborators refer to individuals or groups who work towards, finance, or are impacted by the project’s outcome. Their satisfaction is critical for the success of any project.

To categorize collaborators in a project, two groups are commonly identified: internal and external collaborators. Internal collaborators are those individuals who work within the organization and are directly involved in the project, such as the project manager, project team, project sponsor, and other internal teams. On the other hand, external collaborators are not directly involved in the project but are impacted by its results, such as subcontractors, external clients, end-users, the government, customers, community, and the suppliers.

Project collaborators have various responsibilities, such as identifying project limitations and potential risks, providing expertise, and offering feedback.

5.Business analyst:

A business analyst is a professional who aims to enhance an organization and can be a crucial project team member. They work together with stakeholders of the company to establish goals that address business problems or boost the performance of a specific department.

The tasks and obligations of a business analyst may consist of the following:

  • Developing a precise project definition
  • Establishing the objectives and goals of the project
  • Creating technical specifications to guide the project team
  • Ensuring that the team’s outcomes align with the overall goals of the project and the business.

Some additional roles may be required for specific projects, and not all projects may require these roles. These roles include:

  • Project committee
  • Executive sponsor
  • Customer
  • Team leader
  • IT professional
  • Functional manager
  • Quality assurance professionals
  • Program Manager
  • Subject matter expert

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the responsibilities of a project manager? 

The project manager’s job is to make sure that the project is completed on time, within the allocated budget and meets the objectives. They are in charge of managing the project team and ensuring that all team members are aware of their duties and responsibilities.

2. Who makes up the project team? 

The project team consists of individuals who work on the project either full-time or part-time. These can be employees within the company, external consultants, vendors, or subject matter experts.

3. What is the function of a project sponsor in a project team? 

A high-ranking executive who provides resources and assistance to ensure the project’s accomplishment is typically known as a project sponsor. They serve as the project’s internal advocate and aid in communicating between the project manager and the executive team.

4. What is the role of project stakeholders in a project team? 

A project’s stakeholders or collaborators consist of individuals who support, finance or are impacted by the project’s end outcome. They can be internal or external to the organization and are vital to the project’s triumph.

5. What tasks does a business analyst carry out in a project team? 

The role of a business analyst is often essential in a project team, responsible for improving an organization. A business analyst could collaborate with stakeholders within an organization to define goals that aim to solve business issues, or they may develop strategies to improve the operations of a specific department.

6. What other roles can be present on a project team besides the ones mentioned? 

Other roles on a project team can include executive sponsors, project committees, team leaders, customers, functional managers, IT professionals, program managers, quality assurance professionals, and subject matter experts, depending on the project’s needs.

Author Bio: Mark Edmonds is a skilled project management expert and academic writer at Academic Assignments, specializing in providing top-notch MBA assignment help. With years of experience in the field, he has a deep understanding of the role of teamwork in project management and is committed to helping students achieve academic excellence through his expertise. Mark is known for his excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and dedication to providing high-quality project assignment help to students.