Who Are the Stakeholders?

A project exists to satisfy a need (remember that a project produces a unique produce or service). Without a need of some sort, there is no need for a project. Such needs originate with one or more people; someone has to state a need. As a result, a project will fill the need and likely affect some people or organizations. All people and organizations that have an interest in the project or its outcome are called project stakeholders. The stakeholders provide input to the requirements of the project and the direction the project should take throughout its life cycle.

The list of stakeholders can be large and can change as the project matures. One of the first requirements to properly manage a project is the creation of a key stakeholder list. Be very careful to include all key stakeholders. Many projects have been derailed due to the political fallout of excluding a key stakeholder. Every potential stakeholder cannot be included in all aspects of a project, so it is important to identify the stakeholders who represent all stakeholders.

Although it sounds easy to create a list of stakeholders, they are not always easy to identify in reality. You will often need to ask many questions of many people to ensure you create a complete stakeholder list. Because stakeholders provide input for the project requirements and mold the image of the project and its expectations, it is vitally important that you be as persistent as necessary to identify all potential stakeholders. Key stakeholders can include

• Project manager The person responsible for managing the project.

• Customer or user The person or organization that will receive and use the project's product or service.

• Performing organization The organization that performs the work of the project.

• Project team members The members of the team who are directly involved in performing the work of the project.

• Project management team Project team members who are directly involved in managing the project.

• Sponsor The person or organization that provides the authority and financial resources for the project.

• Influencers People or groups not directly related to the project's product but with the ability to affect the project in a positive or negative way.

• Project management office (PMO) If the PMO exists, it can be a stakeholder if it has responsibility for the project's outcome.

The Project Manager

One of the most visible stakeholders is the project manager. The project manager is the person responsible for managing the project and is a key stakeholder. Although the project manager is the most visible stakeholder, he does not have the ultimate authority or responsibility for any project. Senior management has the ultimate authority for the project. Senior management issues the project charter (we'll discuss that in the next chapter) and is responsible for the project itself. The project manager is granted the authority by senior management to get the job done and to resolve many issues. The project manager is also in charge of the project but often does not control the resources.

Look at these chapters in the PMBOK for more detailed information on the project manager's roles and responsibilities:

• The Project Management Framework Introduction, Chapter 1

• Project Life Cycle and Organization, Chapter 2

• Project Human Resources Management, Chapter 9

You must have a clear understanding of the project manager's roles and responsibilities for this exam. Go through the PMBOK, search for "Project Manager," and look at all the responsibilities defined. Know what a project manager must do, should do, and should not do.

The PDF version of the PMBOK allows you to easily search for terms. Use it to search for any terms you are unsure of.