Why does executive management refuse to function as a project sensor?

Top (Executive) Management is interested in getting the job done at the lowest cost, in the quickest time, with minimum number of resources (yes, they cost money !!). They want all aspects of scope to be covered and with least number of problems from the end product .

A Project Manager on the other hand, is concerned with the triple constraints of Scope of work, Time, and cost. Quality (or Performance) becomes the fourth constraint . He has to work within these constraints called as Triple constraint triangle.

The time constraint refers to the amount of time available to complete a project. The cost constraint refers to the budgeted amount available for the project. The scope constraint refers to what must be done to produce the project's end result. These three constraints are often competing constraints- increased scope typically means increased time and increased cost, a tight time constraint could mean increased costs and reduced scope, and a tight budget could mean increased time and reduced scope.

A Project Manager has to do three things - communicate, communicate, communicate to the stake holders (starting from Top Management to Team Members) the vision ( & status) of the Project. He can not do the project in isolation . A person designated as Project Sponsor is the Executive management Representative who normally gets the Project funding done.. ensure that a Sponsor is there and take him into confidence on Project Management and reporting. Top management have their other problems , so do not burden them (or even the sponsor) with micro management .. only major issues or issues affecting the Triple constraints described above and you get going , man.

Good Luck !!

To know more about us and read my articles, Please visit my website ABOUT US