The Project Manager contracts with the sponsor to manage the project that is defined in the project charter or project plan. In most organizations the project manager has authority to use money and resources as set out in the charter and NO MORE. If the project manager learns that the project budget is in danger of being exceeded reapproval on the new basis must be sought and gained. Otherwise the project manager loses all legitimacy.

The project manager’s role is in managing the project NOT in doing the work. The project manager may also do some of the work but that is not project management. Project management is a real activity and takes much time and effort, it also has it’s own discipline and body of knowledge. Neither is it the project manager’s job to know everything about the project but it is their job to ensure that the right expertise is available. Project Management expertise is the primary consideration because that is the prime need for the project management role.

‘Project Manager. The person assigned to performing organization to achieve the project objectives.’ – PMBOK guide.

Ref: The Definitive guide to project management – S.NOKES, S.KELLY FT