Successful projects are usually the result of careful planning and the talent and collaboration of a project team. Projects can’t move forward without each of its key team members, but it’s not always clear who those members are, or what roles they play.

Project Leader

The project leader is also known as a project manager or project coordinator.

He/she is the primary person responsible for ensuring objectives are met and outcomes are satisfactory.

Project Facilitator

The facilitator is an additional role, which is often fulfilled by the project leader.

A facilitator is responsible for helping team members achieve goals by combating challenges and facilitating progress.

Sponsor

An individual or entity is responsible for committing organization resources, providing funding, and certifying project objectives.

The sponsor is the person who often selects the project leader and other key roles in the project.

Product Owner

It is an additional role that is often fulfilled by the project sponsor.

Prioritizes requirements for ongoing work based on an understanding of value, risk, and activity dependencies.

Domain SME

SME - Subject Matter Expert.

SMEs are typically associated with the project for only a portion of its total duration.

SMEs also provide useful insights in specifying requirements and may assist in implementation activities.

Customer

customer may also serve as a product owner depending on the nature of the project.

Provides useful insight in specifying requirements and may assist in implementation activities.

End User

The end user may or may not be the same as a customer.

The end User will be most directly impacted by the project's implementation and is an important source of perspective in planning and validating work.

Governance Body

May be internal to the team or organization or maybe an external regulatory authority.

Ensures project work and results are in compliance and may provide approval in cases of formal review.

Team members

The heart of any project, and the true engine of its work, is its membership. That’s why bringing together the right people is extremely important.