Rolling out major technology initiatives takes skilled leadership to transform plans into reality. But organizations face a common question – is it better to provide project management (PM) oversight internally or hire outside experts?
This guide examines the pros and cons of both IT project management models across factors like costs, expertise, flexibility, accountability and alignment. Read on to gain clarity around optimal scenarios for leveraging in-house vs. contracted PM talent based on initiative needs and team strengths.
Table of Contents
Leveraging existing managers as project leaders offers three potential advantages:
In essence, keeping initiatives managed internally aligns planning deeply with company culture and realities on the ground for the long run.
Yet despite the appeal of leveraging in-house staff, contracted external PM services offer unique pluses:
In summary, outsourced PM expertise fuels enterprises lacking specialized skillsets with flexible leadership and multifaceted strategic wisdom.
How do the two approaches fundamentally differ?
Examining tradeoffs guides optimal allocation.
Common scenarios where outsourced IT PM talent assists:
Just as individual coding assignments leverage the gig economy, engagements with fractional PM consultants provide targeted governance.
Regardless of inner versus outer resourcing, a collaborative dynamic and relationship sits at the core of PM achievement:
While no formula supports all situations, deliberate resourcing aligns execution resources to initiative specifics and in place competencies.
Internal staff offer intrinsic company insight. External specialists provide multifaceted experiences. Leverage both strategically.
Successful IT PMs blend soft skills like influence plus technical know-how on systems integration, security considerations, and disaster recovery. Demand both.
Models range from fixed bid pricing to time and materials engagements. Define terms aligning payment to milestones achieved to ensure mutual accountability.
Complex initiatives like Wi-Fi deployments, cable plant upgrades, data center moves, network overhauls or massive cloud migrations warrant external oversight. Minor projects suit in-house PMs leveraging intrinsic organizational wisdom. Consider hybrid teams too on large efforts.
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