Differences Between Project Managers and General Managers
What are the differences between project managers and general managers?
Divide & Conquer creates a collaborative learning process that allows you to cover many topics at a granular level. You will be assigned a question/topic to research, and in a short presentation, you will share what you learned. Additionally, you will review your classmates presentations.
Create a 3-5 minute narrated presentation that can include presentation slides, charts, or images relating to the topic(s) you are assigned. Your presentation should:
Address the question/topic.
Discuss how it is significant to a project manager or the profession.
Include mentor insight when appropriate.
For each topic, you are expected to collect a minimum of one (1) academic source and one (1) practitioner source.
Differences Between Project Managers and General Managers
Slide 1: Title Slide
- Title: Differences Between Project Managers and General Managers
- Subtitle: Understanding Roles in Organizational Context
- Presented by: [Your Name]
- Date: [Presentation Date]
Slide 2: Introduction
- Objective: - To explore the key differences between project managers and general managers.
- To understand the significance of these roles within an organization.
Slide 3: Definitions
- Project Manager (PM):
- Responsible for planning, executing, and closing specific projects.
- Focused on achieving project-specific goals within a defined timeline and budget.
- General Manager (GM):
- Oversees the overall operations of a business or a specific department.
- Responsible for broader organizational goals and resource management.
Slide 4: Key Differences
Criteria Project Manager General Manager
Scope of Work Specific projects Overall business or department
Timeframe Temporary (project-based) Ongoing (long-term)
Focus Deliverables and milestones Profitability and organizational efficiency
Skills Required Technical, risk management Leadership, strategic planning
Team Structure Cross-functional teams Functional departments
Slide 5: Significance to the Profession
- Project Managers:
- Play a critical role in ensuring projects align with business strategy.
- Contribute to innovation through effective project execution.
- General Managers:
- Ensure organizational health and sustainability.
- Responsible for setting strategic objectives and achieving long-term goals.
Slide 6: Academic Perspective
- Source:
- Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.- Discusses the distinct roles and responsibilities of project managers in driving project success.
- Key Insight:
- Project managers must balance multiple constraints (time, cost, scope) while general managers focus on aligning projects with broader business objectives.
Slide 7: Practitioner Perspective
- Source:
- Turner, J. R., & Müller, R. (2003). On the Nature of the Project as a Temporary Organization. International Journal of Project Management.- Explores the dynamic relationship between project management and organizational leadership.
- Key Insight:
- Successful project managers often require strong communication skills to engage stakeholders, a trait that differs from the more strategic focus of general managers.
Slide 8: Mentor Insight
- Insight from a Mentor (if applicable):- "Understanding the distinction between project and general management is crucial for career progression. While project managers are tactical in nature, general managers must adopt a holistic view of the organization."
Slide 9: Conclusion
- Summary:- Both project managers and general managers play vital roles in organizations but operate in different scopes and timeframes.
- Recognizing these differences aids in better collaboration and understanding within teams.
Slide 10: Q&A
- Invitation for Questions:- Open the floor for any questions or discussions regarding the differences between project managers and general managers.
Narration Notes:
For each slide, provide a brief narration touching on the key points. Engage with your audience, emphasizing the significance of understanding these roles in the context of effective organizational management. Use examples from real-life experiences or case studies where possible to illustrate your points.
References
1. Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
2. Turner, J. R., & Müller, R. (2003). On the Nature of the Project as a Temporary Organization. International Journal of Project Management.
This structure allows you to create an engaging presentation that effectively communicates the differences between project managers and general managers while incorporating academic and practitioner insights.