Problem
The skills needed for project management vary from project to project. However, all project managers must understand the basics of project management and also possess the skills appropriate for specific projects. Read the following scenario and consider what recommendations you might make regarding which project manager is best for the job.
John is the CEO of one of the largest banks in the country. The bank has recently purchased several other banks in countries where it has never done business. During the bank's strategy session, it became important that it develops new integration software that will merge the information from the new banks into their main system. This is the largest project in John's career, and he is now selecting the project manager to manage this project.
Maya has managed several different international banks and understands the information requirements. She is known as an efficient manager who gets things done. The different department managers speak of her ability to work across many different departments to effectively complete projects. Maya was part of the strategic team that evaluated the new banks prior to the purchases. Her name is often mentioned for a vice president slot that would become available at the end of next year. The IT departments of various banks have reported to her during different phases of her career, but she has never managed an IT department. She successfully managed the project to acquire these banks and impressed several members of the board of directors.
Javier is the bank's IT expert. He is able to succeed in fixing IT problems where others have failed. Javier never misses a deadline, although John has heard rumblings from department heads on how hard Javier pushes. Javier came to John last month, asking to be considered for a promotion because everybody pigeonholes him as an "IT guy." This frustrates Javier because he thinks he is CEO material-he just needs a chance to prove it. Javier has been the one to evaluate the IT situation in the newly acquired banks. He came back with a report that these banks did not understand information technology, and to run an international operation would probably require starting off with all new employees.
Consider the skills, abilities, and experience demonstrated by Maya and Javier, the two candidates for project manager. What advice might you give to John about who would make the best candidate? Why? What else should John consider when making his decision?
Response that addresses the following:
1) An explanation of the recommendations you might make to John regarding who to select as the project manager for the bank's largest and most important project
2) A description of the skills the project manager will need to possess to effectively manage this project
3) An explanation of the advantages Maya and Javier might each bring to the project management role. Also, what might be their weaknesses, and what could John do to compensate for these weaknesses when making his selection?