E-dreamz Company Blog

Not everyone in this field is a tech wizard or a design virtuoso. We need Project Managers like any other industry. It is imperative to the success of each project to have a Project Manager who understands the goals and objectives set forth in the overall scope of work. They need to be professional at all times and great communicators to everyone involved in the project from both the client and development end. Attention to detail is a must for any Project Manager in the field of Interactive Development. 

A Project Manager’s main responsibility is to keep projects on time and on budget. Another overarching responsibility for PM’s is to keep the projects within the scope of work agreed upon by both E-dreamz and the Client (ie: The Contract). This is always a challenging task. Our industry, as a whole, seems to have this strange assumption that everything can be done in no time and there is no need to define anything in any contract. And we are to make assumptions on everything and just do work for free. I can’t disagree more. 

We strive to develop very detailed proposals. Once a proposal is approved by the client. a Project Manager is assigned from our end to direct the project from start to finish. The Project Manager will be the key point of contact with the client throughout the process. They will guide the client through our 5 step process for success (see Our Process). 

The PM will go over all the aspects of the project in detail with the main point of contact on the client side. They will pull together a timeline based on the agreed upon scope of work in the proposal. They will allocate production resources within E-dreamz based on the set timeline. From there the PM will start the Architect stage. Our PM’s are responsible for doing the Site Maps and Wireframes in this stage. They will detail out all the site elements, functionality, hierarchy and placement based on the agreed upon scope of work. During this stage it is when a client may request new additions to the overall scope of work already agreed upon. Changes such as these do come from time to time during most projects. Other changes to the scope may come up during the Design and Build stages as well. The PM’s job is to set expectations for any changes so that the client is aware that they are outside our agreement and integrate the new additions into the timeline so resources can be allocated. Yes, additional changes do come with a price. Even Interactive Companies need to make money for what they do. Not sure why this confuses so many people. I can’t buy a new car….take it home….drive it and then take it back and want the GT version for free knowing very well I never paid for the GT version. Don’t miss understand me on this point as one sided. The PM doesn’t just protect E-dreamz but also the client’s goals for the project at all times as well. 

Project Manager’s also need have understanding of technical issues. A big part of the successful project manager is the ability to communicate with the developers and understand the technical aspects of how to build a website. Not necessarily that the PM can sit down and build one but what’s involved with it and a good understanding of the complexities and can understand explanations from the developers about why something works a certain way or can’t work a certain way.  The PM needs to be able to communicate this in a layman’s way to the client so they understand what will be delivered and how it will function. This middle person role between the client and the developers has to have clear communication on both sides (in both languages) in order for the project to progress smoothly – on time and on budget.

There are several milestone stages within our process that the Project Manager must get the client to sign off on before we move ahead. Here at E-dreamz we never skip ahead in the process unless we have full client approval and they sign off to do so. The PM will keep all information and approval forms organized within the Project Folder for future reference. A well organized PM is a must for a successful outcome.  

Project Managers don’t always get the credit they deserve; it is a very challenging role. As a PM you have to be able to deal with all kinds of personalities and make adjustments where needed. You must constantly keep the internal team and the client on track and focused. Decisions sometimes need to be made quickly and in an orderly fashion. A PM must always be on point at all times. A slight slip anywhere could take a project off course in a hurry. Patience and the ability to see all sides of a situation are also instrumental in making sure all sides are happy. 

So if you are very detailed, well organized, have great communication skills, and don’t mind counting to 10 after talking to clients sometimes, you could be ready to be a great Project Manager.

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