slightly OT: Project Managers

From: Alistair Maclean (alistair_at_ld50macca.demon.co.uk)
Date: 11/20/04 

Date: 19 Nov 2004 16:38:53 -0800

Having been to the pub tonight and bored for Britain on many a subject
there cam to my companions lips a topic of conversation that we came
quickly to verbal blows about; specifically, on IT projects, does a
project manager make an iota of difference to the outcome. My
colleague argues along the lines that he is knowledgeable in Six Sigma
(spit!), Prince 2 and now CMMI but does not believe that any of these
methodologies contributes one iota to the successful outcome of the
project. I believe otherwise, but am unable to find any evidence in
support of my argument. It seems that I may be wrong. As no Maclean
has ever been convicted of being wrong can any of you provide any
evidence of the efficacy or otherwise of any project managers? I have
read Dilberts excellent book so I realise this could be an uphill
struggle.