A project manager helps an engineering group execute its plans by tracking resources, reporting progress, and continually revising timelines as daily events change them. Once a group grows beyond roughly five people, a dedicated project manager becomes important; smaller groups can often coordinate among themselves. section 9.1.1
The role works best when responsibilities are clear:
- Project managers watch ticketing systems, run periodic meetings, and surface deadline risks early, including the reasons for a likely delay. section 9.1.1
- Leads hold people accountable. Project managers encourage an open flow of good and bad news so timelines remain useful. section 9.1.1
Plan for actual availability
A schedule should allow for an ordinary working day with interruptions and for the time someone needs to regain context after vacation—not assume every nominal work hour is productive. section 9.1.1
