A project has little chance of success if it is not recognized as a legitimate project within the organization. Assigning a project manager — that is, someone with project management skills, and not just the technical team leader — is critical to establishing this project legitimacy. The project manager ensures the project stays on track and remains focused by:

• holding team members and users to commitments;
• ensuring the necessary executive support is solicited, communication plans are developed and used, and a task plan and project scope are developed and monitored;
• keeping the project organized and focused on the final goal; and
• settling conflicts within the team and sorting out competing priorities.