Why Every Project Manager Should Learn to Code
In the world of software development, there has always been a distinct line between the coders, who build the product, and the project managers, who oversee the process.
While project managers don't necessarily need to understand the intricacies of each programming language, an understanding of coding can go a long way.
In this blog post, I will explain the reasons, why project managers should consider learning to code and how it can positively impact their career and project outcomes.
Improved Communication
One of the most significant benefits of understanding coding basics is the improved communication between technical and non-technical team members.
For instance, if a developer is explaining the reasons a particular task is taking longer than expected, a Project Manager with coding knowledge will better understand the challenges involved.
This can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making, reducing misunderstandings that can delay a project.
Real-world Example
Imagine your team is working on an application that suddenly encounters a bug.
A developer explains that the issue arises from "Inheritance".
A Project Manager with coding knowledge would understand the term, allowing for a quicker and more efficient resolution.
Enhanced Problem-Solving
Coding teaches you to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks.
This skill is invaluable in project management for setting milestones, allocating resources, and tracking progress.
Understanding the technical aspects can help you visualize the bigger picture and the smaller components that make it up, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities,
Better Estimation and Planning
How many times have you been part of a project that exceeded its time or budget constraints?
Often, these overruns happen because of incorrect estimations; having a grasp of coding can help project managers make more realistic timelines and allocate resources more efficiently, moreover will be easier to communicate the timeline, efforts and budget to the stakeholders.
Case Study
In a study conducted by the Project Management Institute, it was found that 45% of projects exceeded their budget, and one major reason cited was inaccurate estimation stemming from a lack of technical understanding.
Stakeholders also directly or indirectly influence a project, its performance and finally in either a positive or negative way. The first reason for budgeting the project is to include a better view of and explanations of the state of the art.
Risk Mitigation
Understanding code allows you to foresee risks and issues before they become critical.
This contributes to better risk assessment and allows for more effective contingency planning, for example, if you know that a particular piece of code or database clearances or encapsulations of some aspects of the workflow is likely to cause performance issues, you can plan accordingly to address it before it becomes a problem.
Knowing Software Project Management will benefit a lot in estimating what and how much every task in the software development cycle consumes time, and this way the manager would be able to act clearly upon the task points/time estimation, thus giving him more credibility and a decision power among the team.
We all faced situations where teams could encounter several blocks because the Project Manager could not estimate the task points precisely because he lacked a Coding Skills background.
Credibility and Leadership
Respect is earned, not given, but in fostering inclusive and collaborative environments, knowledge and expertise are more freely exchanged, enabling better project outcomes.
Knowing how to code can earn you the respect of your technical team, which can significantly boost team morale. When team members believe in their leader's capabilities, it positively impacts their performance and the project's outcome.
Software Project Management
is a sub-discipline of project management in which software projects are planned, executed, monitored, and completed.
Software projects can range from simple applications to complex systems with multi-tier architecture and advanced technologies, the role of a Software Project Manager is to oversee the software development process, from the initial planning and scoping to the deployment and maintenance stages.
Software Project Management is more than just a sequence of planning and executions, it's a complex balancing act that involves multiple moving parts.
Each phase of the project, from planning to execution and from monitoring to closing, plays a pivotal role in the software's final outcome. While all elements are crucial, the Coding and Development phase holds a unique position, serving as the linchpin that can make or break the entire project.
Planning
In the planning phase, two key elements set the stage: Scope Definition and Resource Allocation. The scope definition gives everyone a clear understanding of what the project aims to achieve. Resource allocation, on the other hand, provides the framework for what is feasible within the budget and time constraints.
While these aspects lay the groundwork, they are essentially abstract until actualized in the Coding and Development phase.
Execution
Team Management is about ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the common goals set during the planning phase, however, Coding and Development is the heartbeat of software Project Management.
This is where abstract ideas turn into tangible products, without effective coding and development, all the meticulous planning can go to waste.
The code is what brings the software to life; it's the architecture, the structure, and the soul of the project.
In today's agile environment, Coding and Development have become even more dynamic, it's not just about writing lines of code; it's about iterative improvements, adaptability, and responding to real-time feedback.
The importance of coding is not just in its execution but in its ongoing evolution.
This is why many argue that project managers should have at least a foundational understanding of coding; it's the essence of what makes software "software."
Monitoring
While Quality Assurance and Risk Management are critical for ensuring that the software meets the defined standards and that potential risks are mitigated, these are reactive measures.
They come into play after Coding and Development have been initiated. The code quality, the architectural decisions, and the development practices often dictate the quality and the risks associated with the software.
Hence, monitoring is not just an isolated phase but a continuous aspect that is deeply intertwined with development.
Closing
The closing phase involves Deployment and Post-Deployment Monitoring, but even these final steps are heavily dependent on the success of Coding and Development. If the code is not scalable, deployment can be a nightmare.
If the code is not optimized, post-deployment monitoring will reveal performance issues that will cause delays and increase production costs.
Learning to code may seem like a daunting task, but the benefits it can bring to your role as a project manager are invaluable. Improved communication, better problem-solving, more accurate estimations, effective risk mitigation, and enhanced credibility are just some of the advantages.