Project sponsor role

Project sponsor role
See also
Role of stakeholder Successful project manager Objectives of the project Project team member Project governance framework Project management governance Project department Project governance model Project management success

A project sponsor is an individual or organization that provides support and resources to a project. This support can include funding, personnel, materials, and other resources. The project sponsor is responsible for setting the project’s objectives, as well as providing guidance and direction to ensure successful project completion. The project sponsor is also responsible for approving major project decisions, resolving any major issues, and providing overall leadership throughout the project.

Example of project sponsor role

• The role of a project sponsor can include:

1. Setting project objectives and providing guidance and direction to ensure successful project completion.
2. Approving major project decisions, resolving any major issues, and providing overall leadership throughout the project.
3. Monitoring the project’s progress and ensuring that project milestones are met.
4. Providing resources such as funding, personnel, materials, and other assets.
5. Communicating with stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are met.
6. Serving as a liaison between the project team and other departments or organizations.
7. Representing the project’s interests to senior management.

Example:

A real-life example of a project sponsor is the CFO at a company who is responsible for approving the budget for a new software development project. The CFO is responsible for setting the objectives of the project, as well as providing guidance and direction to the project team to ensure that the project is completed successfully. The CFO also monitors the progress of the project, resolves any major issues, and serves as a liaison between the project team and other departments or organizations. The CFO is also responsible for communicating with stakeholders and representing the project’s interests to senior management.

When to use project sponsor role

Project Sponsors are essential to the success of any project. They provide resources, guidance and oversight throughout the duration of the project. The project sponsor role is used in many different situations, including:

• When there is a need for external oversight or when the project is of significant importance to the organization.
• When there is a need for cross-functional collaboration, such as when different departments need to work together for project success.
• When there are several stakeholders involved in the project and it is important to ensure that their objectives are met.
• When there is a need for coordination between multiple teams or vendors.
• When there is a need to ensure funding and resources are secured throughout the project.
• When there is a need to manage the risks associated with the project.
• When there is a need to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.

Types of project sponsor role

A project sponsor is an essential component of successful project management. There are several types of project sponsor roles, which can be broadly classified into four categories: champion, strategist, manager, and facilitator.

• Champion: The champion is the driving force of the project. They are responsible for setting the project’s goals and vision and providing leadership and direction. The champion is responsible for communicating the project’s objectives to stakeholders, motivating the team, and helping to secure resources.
• Strategist: The strategist is responsible for helping to define the project’s strategy. They are responsible for assessing the project’s risks and opportunities and making decisions based on the analysis. The strategist is also responsible for developing the project’s roadmap and helping to ensure the project is on track.
• Manager: The manager is responsible for ensuring the project is progressing according to plan. They are responsible for assigning tasks, monitoring the project’s progress, and providing guidance and support to the team. The manager is also responsible for resolving disputes and issues that arise during the project.
• Facilitator: The facilitator is responsible for helping to ensure the project is running smoothly. They are responsible for establishing communication channels between team members and stakeholders, providing feedback, and removing any roadblocks that may arise. The facilitator is also responsible for helping to ensure the team is working together effectively.

Advantages of project sponsor role

The project sponsor role brings several advantages to the project. These include:

• Improved project organization, as the project sponsor will provide a clear vision and direction for the project.
• Increased accountability, as the project sponsor will be responsible for the success of the project.
• Improved communication, as the project sponsor will provide clear feedback and direction to the project team.
• Greater stakeholder engagement, as the project sponsor will ensure stakeholders are kept informed and involved in the project.
• Increased project visibility, as the project sponsor will be the leader of the project and provide visibility of the project to other stakeholders.
• Better decision-making, as the project sponsor will be responsible for making major decisions and resolving any major issues that arise.
• Increased commitment, as the project sponsor will provide support and resources to ensure the project is successful.

Limitations of project sponsor role

The project sponsor role has a number of limitations. These include:

• Limited visibility into the project: The project sponsor is typically only aware of the overall goals and objectives of the project, and may not have access to all the details of the project.
• Limited control of the project: The project sponsor may not have the authority to make decisions or take action to adjust the project as needed.
• Limited influence on the team: The project sponsor may not be able to directly influence or motivate the project team to stay on track.
• Limited resources: The project sponsor may not have the resources to provide the project team with the necessary tools and materials.
• Limited knowledge: The project sponsor may not have the necessary knowledge and experience to properly oversee the project.
• Limited understanding of the project: The project sponsor may not have a good understanding of the project’s scope and timeline.

Suggested literature

• Crawford, L., & Brett, C. (2001). Exploring the role of the project sponsor. In Proceedings of the PMI New Zealand Annual Conference. PMINZ Wellington New Zealand.
• Breese, R., Couch, O., & Turner, D. (2020). The project sponsor role and benefits realisation: More than ‘just doing the day job’. International Journal of Project Management, 38(1), 17-26.