October 31 2023 at 03:14PM
The Importance of Steering Committees to Project Managers
Steering committees also call SteerCos, Project Board or Project Steering Group, play a pivotal role in successful project management. They are a group of high-level stakeholders who are responsible for providing strategic direction and making key decisions related to the project. Here are some reasons why steering committees are essential in project management:
1. Decision Making: Steering committees make critical decisions that guide the project's direction. They determine the project's scope, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs). They also make decisions on resource allocation, budgeting, and risk management.
2. Strategic Guidance: Steering committees provide strategic guidance to ensure that the project aligns with the overall business goals and objectives. They help to align the project with the company's strategic vision, ensuring it contributes to the company's success.
3. Risk Management: Steering committees play a crucial role in risk management. They identify potential risks and devise strategies to mitigate these risks. They also manage any issues that arise during the project, ensuring they are resolved promptly and effectively.
4. Stakeholder Management: Steering committees manage and communicate with all project stakeholders. They ensure all stakeholders are engaged and updated about the project's progress. This helps maintain stakeholder buy-in and support throughout the project.
5. Quality Oversight: Steering committees monitor the quality of the project's deliverables. They ensure that the project delivers the expected outcomes and meets the required quality standards.
6. Conflict Resolution: Steering committees also help resolve conflicts that may arise during the project. They can mediate disputes between team members or between the project team and other stakeholders.
7. Project Evaluation: Finally, steering committees evaluate the project's performance at various stages. They track progress against the business case and solution needed for the organization.
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