Leena has extensive experience across various IT domains, such as SAP environments, platform and data center services, application development, and end-user support. She has worked as both a project and service manager, in client and vendor organizations, giving her a broad perspective on IT project management. Today, she serves in various roles as an IT project manager, service manager, or SCRUM master, depending on the client's needs.
A project manager is a true "jack of all trades" in the IT world, and Leena’s daily responsibilities reflect this perfectly. She not only leads projects but also acts as a process development expert, test manager, and even hands-on tester when necessary. This versatility is one of the key strengths of a project manager, enabling her to offer tailored solutions to clients.
When starting a new project, one of the first tasks of the project manager is to get to know the client and the project. This includes reviewing the contract, assessing the client’s needs, understanding the technology environment, and evaluating the solution's complexity. The cornerstone of project success is ensuring both the client and the provider have a shared understanding of the project’s goals. What kind of outcome does the client expect? What might the client want to offer to their end users or customers? What is the targeted timeline? The clearer both sides are about the goals, the easier it is to work toward them together. Building rapport within the team early on also plays a crucial role in ensuring open communication and collaboration as the project progresses—especially when addressing potential challenges.
Assembling the right team is one of the most critical tasks. Ensuring the right competencies and starting kick-off meetings with the team lay a strong foundation for the project. The client remains closely involved throughout the process, with the project manager acting as a link between the client and the technical experts.
Every project is unique, which is why the project model is selected on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes agile is the best approach, while other times, a more traditional waterfall model works better. The project manager, together with the client, assesses what best supports the client’s objectives and the team’s work. It’s also important to consider the client’s experience, if they have some specific model that they prefer. Tools are selected collaboratively as well. It is crucial that the tools support the chosen project model, whether provided by the client or the service provider.
Success alongside the client brings joy and energy for future tasks. Longer projects and cooperation within the framework of continuous development are the "sweet spot" of the job. "It’s always a great experience to succeed together with the client," Leena concludes.
During the project, Leena's responsibilities include not only daily project management but also guiding and supporting the team. She facilitates meetings, coordinates problem-solving, and ensures timelines are met. Communication is key, as different stakeholders need clear guidance and support throughout the project.
As the project approaches completion, the project manager ensures a seamless transition to service support. The new owner or support team is thoroughly briefed by the project team to ensure all outcomes achieved during the project are securely handed over. This ensures the client can trust that the project’s results will be sustained in the long run.
Leena Nyberg has a strong background in service and project management, as well as process development. Her main objective in her work is to succeed together with the client.
Read more about Agile development: Purchasing a Software Project Using an Agile Model
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