👤 Project Manager (PM)
The Project Manager is the person who runs the project day-to-day.
- Plans the work
- Assigns tasks
- Guides the team
- Keeps the project on track (time, cost, scope)
- Solves problems
and you are gonna be a great one!
Project Team Members
The people actually doing the work.
- Developers, engineers, analysts, designers, etc.
- They complete the tasks assigned by the Project Manager
💼 Project Sponsor
The Project Sponsor is the senior person who supports and funds the project.
- Provides money and resources
- Approves major decisions
- Supports the project at a high level
👉 Think: The person paying for it and backing it
🧠 Steering Committee
A group of senior leaders focused on one project
- Make big decisions
- Provide direction
- Step in for major issues
👉 Think: The board of advisors
🏢 PMO (Project Management Office)
A department/team that supports all projects in the organization.
- Creates standards and templates
- Provides tools, training, and guidance
- Monitors or controls projects
- Sometimes directly manages projects
👉 Think: The rule-maker and support system for all projects
🏢 Functional Manager
The Functional Manager is the head of a department (like IT, HR, Finance).
- Manages people in their department
- Decides who can work on the project
- Has authority over team members
👉 Think: The employee’s “real boss”
👤 Customers / Clients
The people or organizations paying for or receiving the product.
- They define needs
- They approve the final result
👉 Think: The ones who want the outcome
🤝 Suppliers / Vendors
External companies that provide goods or services.
- Equipment providers
- Software vendors
- Contractors
👉 Think: Outside help
🧑⚖️ Regulators / Government
Authorities that set rules and compliance requirements.
- Ensure the project follows laws and standards
👉 Think: Rule enforcers
🧠 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
People with deep expertise in a specific area.
- Provide guidance and technical knowledge
👉 Think: The experts
