What can we do about our project managers?

“What Can We Do About Our Project Managers?” is the title of an article written by Alistair Cockburn. (The article is from the Cutter IT Journal, login required.) From the title we surmise that Alistair is none too happy with the way most project managers (PM) run software projects.

He suggests that PMs need to learn modern concepts from disciplines such as lean manufacturing (also referred to as the Toyota Production System) and Agile software development. These are all good points, however given the training of most PMs, it’s unlikely these concepts will stick. If you want a project manager to really be able to take on these concepts and apply them on the job, then the PM should have spent time studying software development and working as a developer at some point. This is the skill set and experience the Chief Engineer at Toyota brings to the plate.

In fact that’s one of the concepts of Agile development. Users understand something after they see and experience it. In Implementing Lean Software Development, Mary and Tom Poppendieck show how the lean manufacturing concepts can be applied to software.

Mr. Cockburn identifies a key point to solving the PM issue. Senior managers are responsible for making sure project managers develop their craft. Here’s my point:

There are a number of universities that are now providing programs that require students to study business and computer science. Why? These schools understand that the leaders of tomorrow must have a blend of business and technology skills baked into their talent DNA so they can drive project success. Senior managers should be recruiting and promoting those students who had the discipline to acquire both skill sets.

On this week’s episode of The Apprentice, Mr. Trump gave the teams the task of baking cupcakes for charity. Well, the men’s team, after taking a taste, discovered they had not added enough sugar to their cupcakes. What did they do? They coated the top of each cupcake with a layer of sweet syrup, hoping the syrup would sweeten the entire treat. Guess what? The cupcakes still tasted awful.

Comments

[Mike]

Amen to application of lean principles to project development! Unfortunately, PMI and HR departments have proliferated a fetish for PMP certification above all other skill sets...

[Steve]

Hi Mike,

Yes, a PMP certification does not mean someone will be a good PM. Having a design background though, helps you apply lean concepts and in some cases, design your way out of trouble.

[Kim Leonard]

Cutter is offering a PDF download of the Cutter IT Journal issue that includes Alastair Cockburn's article you mentioned. It's free, with registration. http://www.cutter.com/offers/pm2.html

(And those cupcakes sure did look disgusting, Steve -- great analogy!)

[Steve Neiderhauser]

Kim,

Thanks for giving the link to the Cutter IT Journal. There are some excellent articles in the Journal.

Glad you liked the cupcake analogy.

Steve