Definition of project manager:

Project managers are responsible for implementing key plans and managing teams. When issues or miscommunications arise within the team, they act as key mediators (Rittenberg, J., 2021).

What is project management:

Project management is the process of weaving together the various elements of a project to achieve a harmonious outcome. It aims to guide a project towards success throughout its entire lifecycle in a prudent and systematic manner.

Responsibilities of a Project Manager (PMI, 2024)：

• Define the project objectives

My sole objective for the Scopophobia project is to ensure that it is completed by the week prior to the deadline. Furthermore, the project must include a fully functional core game loop, a complete set of scene art assets, character animations and a fully developed storyline.

• Organising project tasks and planning

Every week, I organise and notify the team via our Slack channel about the tasks they need to complete. I have also created a project document for the environmental designer to help him plan his weekly workload. (The document is attached to the Week 8 blog post）

• Ensure the project is delivered on time

During the most intense phase of the project, I checked in with each team member on Slack every day to ensure the project would be delivered on time. (For further details, please refer to the ‘Group Communication’ module on the Scopophobia WordPress website)

• Manage assets across all projects

After importing the assets into UE5, I used GitHub to back them up to ensure they were all safe.

• Communicate effectively with project team members

I will communicate via the group Slack channel and during classes. If any group members do not reply promptly, I will send them a private message to ensure they have received the information.

• Avoid potential risks

I create branches on GitHub to organise and back up my projects, ensuring the game’s core mechanics remain secure.

• Ensure the project is completed to a high standard

The project was completed on time, one week before the deadline.

Skills required of a project manager (‌Dzik, T., 2023)：

• Effective communication skills

Listen clearly and actively, understand non-verbal cues, and adapt your communication style to suit different audiences

• Strategic Planning and Organisational Skills

Project managers must define objectives, break them down into achievable tasks, set realistic deadlines, and identify dependencies between tasks.

• Risk management skills

Project managers must be proficient in conducting risk assessments to identify potential threats, analyse their likelihood and impact, and develop risk response plans.

• Adaptability and flexibility

Project managers must embrace change and adapt their plans and strategies to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Personal project management:

This calendar is covered in my project management notes, each sticky note contains the project schedule and tasks for a different week.

References:

Rittenberg, J. (2021). What Is A Project Manager, And What Do They Do? [online] Forbes Advisor. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/what-is-a-project-manager/.

‌Kephart, B. (2023). What Is A Project Manager & What Do They Do All Day? [online] The Digital Project Manager. Available at: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/career/what-is-a-project-manager/.

PMI (2024). What is a project manager & what do they do? [online] Pmi.org. Available at: https://www.pmi.org/about/what-is-a-project-manager.

‌Dzik, T. (2023). 15 Essential Skills for Project Managers [2023 Guide]. [online] www.edstellar.com. Available at: https://www.edstellar.com/blog/project-manager-skills.