3
PROJECT MANAGER COMPETENCES
This section of the PMCD Framework lists competences and elements for a project manager in a preponderance of settings and circumstances by identifying performance criteria relative to specific elements of competence. Gaining an understanding through assessment of the individual project manager's current capability is essential to creating a baseline of competence. Details on evidence, expectation, and examples for each element in the competence are contained in Appendix X3. Both performance and personal competences are listed. Additional details on performance and personal competences are contained in Section 2.
Measuring the individual performance against a competency baseline will identify the project manager's strengths and development needs. The dimension of personal competence looks at the project manager's behavior relative to overall competence in managing projects. The goal is to meet or exceed the baseline competency defined by the PMCD Framework.
For each element, there is a competence level shown, as described in Section 2.3.3. These are not intended to be prescriptive and each organization will have its own levels for a competence based on the types of projects that it manages. The level is intended to assist the project managers and their managers in assessing where they are against where they need to be. More details can be found in Section 7.
3.1 Project Manager Performance Competences
Table 3-1 lists the Knowledge Areas and processes from the PMBOK® Guide.
Table 3-1. PMBOK® Guide Knowledge Areas and Processes
| Knowledge Area | Process Name |
| Project Integration Management |
• Develop Project Charter • Develop Project Management Plan • Direct and Manage Project Work • Monitor and Control Project Work • Perform Integrated Change Control • Close Project or Phase |
| Project Scope Management |
• Plan Scope Management • Collect Requirements • Define Scope • Create the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) • Validate Scope • Control Scope |
| Project Time Management |
• Plan Schedule Management • Define Activities • Sequence Activities • Estimate Activity Resources • Estimate Activity Durations • Develop Schedule • Control Schedule |
| Project Cost Management |
• Plan Cost Management • Estimate Costs • Determine Budget • Control Costs |
| Project Quality Management |
• Plan Quality Management • Perform Quality Assurance • Control Quality |
| Project Human Resource Management |
• Plan Human Resource Management • Acquire Project Team • Develop Project Team • Manage Project Team |
| Project Communications Management |
• Plan Communications Management • Manage Communications • Control Communications |
| Project Risk Management |
• Plan Risk Management • Identify Risks • Perform Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Analysis • Plan Risk Responses • Control Risks |
| Project Procurement Management |
• Plan Procurement Management • Conduct Procurements • Control Procurements • Close Procurements |
| Project Stakeholder Management |
• Identify Stakeholders • Plan Stakeholder Engagement • Manage Stakeholder Engagement • Control Stakeholder Engagement |
3.2 Units of Personal Competence
Table 3-2 defines the respective elements for each unit of personal competence.
Table 3-2. Elements of Project Manager Personal Competence
| Personal Competence | Description of Level |
| Communicating |
• Actively listens, understands, and responds to stakeholders • Maintains lines of communication • Ensures quality of information • Tailors communication to audience |
| Leading |
• Creates a team environment that promotes high performance • Builds and maintains effective relationships • Motivates and mentors project team members • Takes accountability for delivering the project • Uses influencing skills when required |
| Managing |
• Builds and maintains the project team • Plans and manages for project success in an organized manner • Resolves conflict involving project team or stakeholders |
| Cognitive Ability |
• Takes a holistic view of the project • Effectively resolves issues and solves problems • Uses appropriate project management tools and techniques • Seeks opportunities to improve project outcome |
| Effectiveness |
• Resolves project problems • Maintains project stakeholder involvement, motivation, and support • Changes at the required pace to meet project needs • Uses assertiveness when necessary |
| Professionalism |
• Demonstrates commitment to the project • Operates with integrity • Handles personal and team adversity in a suitable manner • Manages a diverse workforce • Resolves individual and organizational issues with objectivity |