Modern project and product development requires the coordination of a multitude of activities and stakeholders. Three roles often come to the fore: the project manager, the product owner, and the agile master. While there are overlaps in their responsibilities, each role has specific main tasks.
| Task | Project Manager | Product Owner | Agile Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project planning and structuring | X | ||
| Resource management | X | X | |
| Risk management | X | ||
| Stakeholder communication | X | X | X |
| Budget management | X | ||
| Product backlog maintenance | X | ||
| Prioritization of requirements | X | ||
| Acceptance or rejection of work results | X | ||
| Ensuring project delivery | X | ||
| Removing obstacles | X | ||
| Promoting agile values | X | ||
| Team coaching and development | X | ||
| Protecting the team from distractions | X | ||
| Interface to stakeholders | X | X | X |
| Monitoring and reporting | X | X | |
| Promoting continuous improvement | X | X | |
| Market analysis and competitive observation | X | ||
| Definition of KPIs | X | X | |
| Quality assurance and control | X | X | |
| Organizing internal training and workshops | X | ||
| Contract design and negotiation | X | ||
| Collecting and integrating customer feedback | X | ||
| Coordination with other projects/teams | X | ||
| Escalation management | X | X | X |
| Requirement management | X | X | |
| Product launch and market introduction | X | X | |
| Interaction with suppliers | X | ||
| Organizing and moderating retrospectives | X | ||
| Estimation of time and cost expenditures | X | X | |
| Creation of user documentation | X |
Project Manager: This expert is primarily responsible for the planning, structuring, and delivery of the project. They manage resources, budgets, and risks and ensure that all tasks are completed according to the set schedule and budget.
Product Owner: The product owner is the key figure for defining and prioritizing product requirements. They maintain the product backlog, collect customer feedback, and ensure that development teams are always working on the most valuable features.
Agile Master (e.g., Scrum Master): This role supports the team in effectively using agile practices. The agile master removes obstacles, protects the team from distractions, and promotes continuous improvement.
The table above provides a detailed overview of the specific tasks of each role. It’s important to emphasize that in the real world, boundaries can be fluid, depending on the organizational structure, team dynamics, and the specific project or product.
With this structuring, you have a clear overview of the main responsibilities and tasks of the three key roles in modern product and project development. However, it’s always helpful to keep in mind the specific requirements and dynamics of your own company or project and adjust the roles accordingly.