On How Many Projects Can one Project Manager Handle?

29 June 2010

Dear Mr. Pells

I was recently asked how to calculate how many projects a PM can handle. While stating all the variables in arriving at a number I was met with a blank stare and still the remaining question, How many projects can a PM handle?

I work for large National company and they are looking for some type of measurement (a published industry standard) by which to base whether or not to hire more PM’s for the immense workload that they have. I found the site that gives me a mathematical equation for construction projects (http://cmguide.org/archives/1317); however it still did not satisfy the quest because it was for construction and not a well known source.

Where can I point them?

Kristi Baldwin, MCPM, PMP
Technical Project Manager
Exton, Pennsylvania, USA
KBaldwin@pmi-dvc.org

Editor’s Response:

Dear Ms. Baldwin,

Thank you for contacting me with your interesting question.

Actually, I don’t think there is a simple or straightforward answer to your question, since the answer might depend on the following factors, at the very least:

• Size and type of projects (larger projects require more full time PMs)

• Project complexity (more complex projects generally require more PM time)

• Project risks (common sense dictates that riskier project require more attention)

• Industry (generally, multiple projects for individuals is more common in some industries than others)

• Experience or capabilities of the project managers (generally, more experienced project managers can manage or oversee more projects)

• Stage of the projects (more time is often needed during planning and startup, when decisions have greater impact on results)

• Location of project teams (multiple locations and cultures add time and complexity to PM tasks – and risks)

• Criticality/importance of the projects (strategic or mission critical projects generally require more attention, sometime full time attention even for smaller projects)

I have no ready source for better answers, but I wonder if we can publish our exchange here as a Letter to the Editor in the July edition of PM World Today – due for publication this weekend? In that case, perhaps someone will respond to you with better or more answers.

Thank you, and
Good luck.

David Pells
Managing Editor
editor@pmforum.org

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