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Key Steps of the Product Manager at Stages of Project

Reading time: 10-15 min
Updated: 29.04.2024
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Technologies are evolving before our eyes, and the role of the project manager is becoming key. They lead the product from the moment of the idea's inception to its market launch and further improvement. It is a multitasking job that requires not only a deep knowledge of management but also a keen understanding of user needs and social skills. These stages - from idea to implementation - require special attention and approach. Ultimately, a successful project manager is someone who not only knows how to plan and control but also broadcasts effectively and adapts to adjustments.

Project Manager - Who Is This?

It is a specialist who takes responsibility for the successful implementation of a project from the moment of its inception to its market introduction and support after launch. The primary duties of such a specialist include planning, organization, team motivation, execution control, and risk management. The project manager must have outstanding communication skills and be able to work in a multitasking and a constantly changing environment.

 Also, to say more about project manager, he or she should be able to make decisions quickly, navigate the situation, and possess a whole list of qualifications and knowledge. An effective project manager is capable not only of leading the project to success but also of creating a favorable atmosphere in the team, motivating employees, and contributing to their professional growth.

Key Responsibilities at Different Stages

At different stages of project development, the role of the project manager significantly changes, adapting to the current tasks and goals. In the initial stages, their main task is to define the product development strategy, gather and analyze requirements, and form a team. As the project develops, the manager must ensure strict adherence to the plan, control deadlines and budget, and coordinate the work of all project participants. An essential part of the work is managing changes and risks, requiring the manager's flexibility of thought and the ability to make decisions quickly. In the final stages, the project manager focuses on preparing the product for launch, organizing testing, and collecting user feedback.

Project Development

At the project development stage, the project manager enters the most active phase of their work. Their duties include detailed planning of all processes, distribution of resources and tasks among team members, and constant interaction with the client to clarify details and requirements. The manager must skillfully balance between strict adherence to deadlines and flexibility in matters of changing priorities or making adjustments to the project. There is a more detailed explanation with the founder of Romtos. One of the key tasks at this stage is managing a team of developers, designers, testers, and other specialists. The project manager must not only coordinate their work but also maintain motivation, creating conditions for the effective and productive work of each team member.

Additionally, it is vital to ensure clear and timely communication between all stakeholders of the project, including the customer. The project manager is also responsible for the quality and compliance of the developed product with the stated requirements and market expectations. This involves constant monitoring of trends and competitor analysis, as well as conducting tests and collecting feedback for subsequent product improvement.
Skills, Goals, Interactions

Project Manager: Skills, Goals, Interactions

Important Skills during Project Development Stage

1. Product management: The product manager should compile a product management workflow, including defining key functionalities, prioritizing tasks, and managing resources.
2. Technical understanding: Grasping the basic concepts of software development enables the product manager to interact effectively with the development team, comprehend their requirements, and make informed technical choices.
3. Communication and collaboration: It is vital to ensure effective interaction between different members of the development team, as well as with other stakeholders. This includes the ability to clearly express ideas, listen to others' opinions, and resolve conflicts.
4. Time and resource management: The product manager must effectively allocate resources and control task deadlines to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
5. Analytical skills: It is essential to be able to analyze the current development progress, identify problems, and find ways to solve them. This also includes analyzing data on product performance and quality.
6. Flexibility and adaptability: Today, changes and surprises often occur, so it is important to be flexible and able to adapt to new circumstances without losing project quality and timelines.
7. Leadership and team management: The product manager needs to motivate and encourage their team, ensuring tasks are completed effectively and the project's goals are achieved.
Product Development Stage

Product Development Stage: Skills

Testing and Feedback Stage

At the testing and feedback stage, the product manager performs a number of important duties and tasks aimed at ensuring the successful completion of the project. It is a great way to improve skills with the course since every process requires deep knowledge and experience. This stage is critical for determining the quality of the product and its readiness for market launch. The duties of the product manager include:

1. Testing planning: The product manager creates a comprehensive testing plan, outlining the functional areas needing verification and prioritizing testing tasks. This involves determining testing methods, choosing test scenarios, and assessing required resources.
2. Team coordination: They make sure that various team members, like testers, developers, designers, and analysts, communicate well to ensure thorough testing of all product aspects. This includes assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and coordinating efforts.
3. Managing test documentation: The product manager oversees the development and upkeep of test documents, such as test plans, test cases, testing reports, and bug trackers.
4. Analyzing testing results: They analyze testing results, identify detected errors and issues, and assess their impact on product functionality and quality. This allows for making reasoned decisions about further steps in development.
5. Feedback with the development team: Actively interacts with the development team, conveying information about found errors and issues and discussing possible solutions. This helps ensure quick and effective error correction.
6. Responding to user feedback: They analyze user feedback on product performance, identify their needs and preferences, and discuss potential improvements with the development team.
7. Decision-making: Based on testing results and user feedback, the product manager makes decisions about further steps. This may include plans for error correction, functionality improvement, or adding new features.
Test and Feedback Stage

Test and Feedback Stage: Responsibilities

Release Stage

The release  stage is one of the most critical product management stages. This is the moment when the product is first introduced to the market and begins interaction with real users. The primary duties and tasks at this stage are described as follows:

1. Preparing for launch: The product manager must ensure the product's complete readiness for market launch. This includes completing development, testing all functionalities, fixing detected errors, and ensuring compatibility with various platforms and devices.
2. Determining the launch moment: One of the critical tasks is to determine the optimal moment for launching the product on the market.
3. Developing a marketing strategy: The product manager must create a plan for promoting the product in the market. This includes defining the target audience, choosing distribution channels, creating advertising materials, and determining the budget for marketing activities.
4. Coordinating resources: They must also coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders, including the development team, marketing, and sales, as well as external partners and service providers, to ensure a successful product launch.
5. Monitoring and analysis: The product manager must carefully monitor the product's performance and user response. This includes analyzing success metrics, evaluating user feedback, tracking competitors, and identifying opportunities for product improvement.

It is a big deal to create a product in the Web3 environment, but still possible. Let’s take a look at an example of success.  For instance, one of the successful Web3 product launches is the Decentraland platform, which represents a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain. Before the launch, Decentraland conducted an extensive campaign focused on drawing attention to its platform. They actively used social media, cryptocurrency enthusiast communities, and various blockchain events to create anticipation and interest in their project. Decentraland also strategically chose the optimal time for launching their platform, considering the interest in virtual worlds and the growing popularity of the Ethereum blockchain the following year. This allowed them to attract a large number of users and investors interested in decentralization ideas and virtual reality.
Release Stage

Release Stage: Responsibilities

At this stage, the primary duty of the project manager is to coordinate all processes and resources to ensure the product's successful entry into the market. A key responsibility of the project manager is to devise a marketing strategy aimed at attracting and engaging the target audience.

Post-Launch Stage

After the successful launch of the product on the market, the project manager faces a series of new tasks and responsibilities aimed at maintaining and further developing the product. The effectiveness of these tasks determines the product's long-term success. The main duties of the project manager at the post-launch stage include:

1. Monitoring performance and feedback: Following the product launch, the project manager must closely monitor the product's performance and user feedback. This involves analyzing key success metrics, including user engagement indicators (such as activity, retention, and conversions) and financial results (like revenue and profit).
2. Responding to feedback: User feedback after launching the product is a valuable source of information about its quality and functionality. The project manager must promptly and efficiently address identified issues and user requests. For example, if users express dissatisfaction with the product's functionality or technical problems arise, the project manager must organize the team's work to fix them.
3. Managing updates and versions: Following the product launch, the project manager is tasked with planning and orchestrating the release of updates and new versions of the product to the market. This involves developing additional features, addressing bugs, and enhancing the security system.
4. Analyzing competitors and trends: In a constantly changing industry, it's important to keep track of competitors' actions and market changes. The project manager should analyze the competitive landscape, recognize emerging trends, and anticipate future shifts to adjust product development strategies and plans accordingly.
5. Managing community and user loyalty: Creating and maintaining an active user community is vital for successful product development. The project manager must actively interact with users through various communication channels, answer their questions, and provide support.
6. Optimizing work processes: After the product launch, the project manager needs to continually optimize the team's workflows and product development processes to enhance efficiency and quality. For instance, upon identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies during product usage, the project manager can analyze and implement changes to enhance them.
7. Developing and training the team: Successful product development is vital not just for ongoing enhancement but also for the professional advancement of team members. The project manager must arrange educational events, training sessions, and masterclasses, while also offering opportunities for the team's professional development.
8. Managing budget and finances: The project manager must continue to manage the budget and financial resources of the project after its launch to ensure its sustainable functioning and development. This includes planning expenses, controlling the budget, and seeking additional funding sources.
9. Evaluating results and lessons for the future: At the end of the post-launch stage, the manager must evaluate the work results, identify achievements and problems, and learn lessons for future projects. This will allow for the optimization of processes and increase the efficiency of work in the following stages of product development.
Post-release Stage

Post-release Stage: Responsibilities

At the post-launch stage of the product, the project manager plays a crucial role in maintaining its success and further development. They must actively monitor user feedback, effectively manage updates and versions, and adapt product development strategies to changing market conditions. All these efforts are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the product in the market. To learn more about web3 and each stage of product creation, it is critical to pay attention to some external sources and be attentive.

Scaling stage – Responsibilities

The scaling stage is a crucial phase in the product's lifecycle, where the project manager plays a vital role. At this stage, the product has already been successfully launched in the market and has a particular user base. The manager's task is to expand its reach and increase operational efficiency.

Also, at the product scaling stage, the use of Agile methodologies is crucial for ensuring flexibility and efficiency. The product manager must apply Agile principles, such as iterative development and change management, to quickly adapt to changing market requirements and user needs. For instance, instead of traditional long-term planning, the team might use Kanban boards to visualize tasks and handle product management workflow, allowing for rapid response to new requests and priorities.

It's also important to consider security and data protection requirements when scaling the product. The project manager must ensure the product complies with data protection legislation (such as GDPR) and implement measures to secure users' information. For example, using data encryption and multi-level authentication helps prevent data leaks and cyberattacks.
Let's consider the main responsibilities of a project manager during the product scaling stage:

1. Market and сompetitor analysis: Before starting the scaling process, the project manager must conduct a thorough market and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for growth and development of the product. This includes studying user needs, analyzing industry changes, and assessing the competitive landscape.
2. Development of scaling strategy: Based on the results of market and competitor analysis, the project manager develops a product scaling strategy. This includes defining target markets and audiences, selecting ways to expand reach, and developing marketing and product strategies. For example, if a company plans to expand into international markets, the project manager must create a product localization strategy and adapt marketing campaigns to local features.
3. Resource and budget management: Successful product scaling requires effective use of resources and project budget. The project manager is responsible for planning and controlling the budget, allocating resources, and optimizing costs.
4. Product development and technical support: With the growth of the user base and product volume, the project manager must ensure further development and technical support. This includes developing new functionalities and capabilities, improving product performance and security, and implementing scalable infrastructure.
5. Marketing and promotion: An effective marketing strategy plays a crucial role in successful product scaling. The project manager must develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes various user acquisition channels, such as online advertising, content marketing, social media, and affiliate programs.
6. Monitoring and analyzing results: An essential aspect of successful product scaling is continuous monitoring and analysis of results. The project manager must systematically track key performance metrics and user response to changes to address emerging issues and optimize product development strategies promptly.
7. Optimizing work processes: After starting the scaling process, the project manager must constantly optimize team and product development processes to increase efficiency and work quality.
8. Managing risks and unexpected situations: During the product scaling process, various risks and unexpected situations may arise that could negatively affect its success. The project manager should be ready to handle risks and swiftly address emerging issues. For instance, if a company encounters data security threats or technical failures, the project manager must promptly coordinate the team's efforts to resolve them and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
9. Strengthening partnership relationships: For successful product scaling, the project manager must strengthen partnership relationships with key partners and suppliers. This includes maintaining open and transparent communication, regular meetings and consultations, as well as joint problem-solving and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
10. Evaluating results and adjusting strategy: At the end of the scaling process, the project manager must evaluate the results of the work and adjust the strategy based on the data and feedback received. Based on the analysis of results, the project manager can identify successful strategies and tactics, as well as pinpoint problem areas that require further development.
Scaling Stage

Scaling Stage: Responsibilities

In conclusion, product scaling is a complex and multi-stage process that requires careful planning, effective resource management, and continuous monitoring of results. Successful scaling allows a company to expand its audience, increase profits, and strengthen its market position.

How does the Role of a Product Manager Change throughout a Project?

During the project lifecycle, the role of a product manager experiences substantial changes, which are manifested in the workload and the level of accountability. From the moment of product idea formation to its final launch and further development, the manager plays a vital role at each of the product management stages. Let's take a closer look at how these changes occur and how they impact the role of the product manager.


At the initial stage of the project, point A, the product manager faces a high level of tasks and responsibility. They are responsible for defining the product strategy, market analysis, identifying user needs, and developing the product concept. During this period, the manager actively interacts with stakeholders, conducts research, and develops business plans. They also establish work processes and team structure, as well as define key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess project success.


As the project moves towards point B, the role of the product manager begins to change. During the development stage, the tasks and responsibilities of the product manager remain high but slightly decrease compared to the initial stage. They still play a key role in managing the project, coordinating the development team's work, and monitoring deadlines and budget. They also participate in planning and evaluation, ensure communication between team members and stakeholders, and resolve emerging issues and conflicts. They are also responsible for managing changes and updates in the project, adapting strategies and plans according to new requirements and circumstances.


Next, at the testing and feedback stage, the number of tasks and responsibilities for the product manager slightly decreases. They actively participate in planning and conducting product testing, ensuring timely identification and correction of errors, and collecting feedback from users. They are also responsible for analyzing the data obtained and making recommendations for product improvement.


At the launch stage, the role of the product manager increases again. They develop and coordinate marketing strategies and tactics, manage the product launch, analyze results, and respond to feedback from users and the market.


After the launch, the volume of tasks and responsibilities of the product manager may stabilize at a medium level. They ensure the stable operation and development of the product, analyze results and respond to market changes, develop growth and scaling strategies, and manage the team and resources. In conclusion, the role of a product manager throughout a project is subject to significant changes, reflecting on the volume of tasks and the level of responsibility. At each stage of the project, the focus and emphasis of the manager's activities change, but their role remains key to the successful implementation of the product.
From Point A to Point B

From Point A to Point B: Stages & Responsibilities

Why is a Project's Success a Product Manager's Success?

The success of a project is closely linked to the role of the product manager. This specialist is a key figure in achieving set goals and managing the team and project effectively. It is only through the competence and professionalism of the product manager that successful team and project management can be ensured, ultimately leading to the achievement of set goals and desired outcomes.

Firstly, the product manager acts as a liaison between the development team, stakeholders, and end-users. They not only formulate the product strategy but also ensure its execution by coordinating the team's work and ensuring tasks are completed in accordance with set timelines and budgets. Thus, the competence and professionalism of the product manager directly affect the project's success.

Secondly, the product manager is responsible for identifying user needs and developing a product that satisfies these needs. This requires not only a deep understanding of the market and technologies but also the ability to effectively communicate with the development team to translate concepts and ideas into a natural product. Successful team management in this context means being able to inspire and motivate team members, stimulate creativity and innovation, and ensure productive collaboration and interaction among different team members.

Thirdly, the success of a project depends directly on the product manager's ability to adapt to changing conditions and respond to new challenges and opportunities. The market and technologies are constantly evolving, and the product manager must be flexible and adaptive to manage the project successfully in a dynamic environment. This includes the ability to make informed decisions based on data and analytics, quickly respond to changes in the external environment, and effectively reorganize the team's work when necessary.
Product & Manager - Success

Product & Manager - Success

From all this, we conclude that the role of the product manager is an integral part of a project's success. Their competence, professionalism, and ability to effectively manage the team and project determine not only work efficiency but also the achievement of set goals and desired outcomes.

What Skills are Necessary at any Stage?

A good product manager must have a wide range of both soft and hard skills to manage a project successfully at any stage of its development. Only by possessing them in combination can a Product Manager effectively lead the project at any stage of its development and ensure the achievement of the set goals.
Post-release Stage

Soft & Hard Skills Table

How to Learn to Successful Product Management?

For successful product management, it's crucial not only to have experience and knowledge but also to continuously update your skills and keep up with the latest trends in the industry. That's why our courses will become your reliable partner in this process.

1. Experienced Instructors: Our roadmap of the course is designed and led by experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the product management industry. They share their knowledge, experience, and best practices, helping you acquire new skills.
2. Practical Focus: We pay special attention to the practical significance of our courses. You will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also valuable tools and methodologies that can be immediately applied in practice.
3. Flexible Learning Format: Our courses offer flexible learning formats, including online courses and webinars. Choose the time and learning format that suits you best.
4. Keeping Up with Current Trends: We constantly update our courses to reflect the latest trends and newest methodologies in product management. This ensures you are always informed about the latest industry changes and can apply them in practice.

Take the first product development steps today by joining our courses!

Tips for Optimizing Product Management from Romtos

1. Listen to Your Users: It's vital to actively listen to user feedback and analyze their needs to create products that genuinely solve their problems.
2. Be Flexible and Adaptive: The market changes rapidly, so flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly are key to successful product management. Be ready for changes and respond swiftly to new challenges.
3. Work on Processes and Teamwork: Efficient processes and good teamwork are the foundation of successful product management. Invest time and effort in building and continuously improving them.
4. Learn and Develop: Product management is a dynamic field, so it's vital to update your knowledge and skills continually. The impact of the courses on your career is truly significant, so use some educational materials, and self-study to stay on top of the industry.
5. Don't Fear Failures: Mistakes and failures are an inevitable part of the product development process. It's essential to learn from failures and use them as an opportunity for improvement and growth.

Summary

In the end, successful product management requires continuous learning, flexibility, and effective teamwork. It's not only a science but also an art, where fundamental factors include communication, leadership, and empathy. Ongoing skill improvement, adaptability to change, and the ability to learn from mistakes will lead to success in this area. A successful product manager is not only someone who creates innovative products but also inspires and motivates the team to achieve common goals.

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