HPMD Bullet: Product Management Overview

HPMD Bullets

BULLET # 34
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Here are our notes on an introductory talk we gave on product management. It is a discussion starter to get product managers thinking about the inherent paradoxes of their work and the significant role that non-technical, process management plays.

I. What is Product Management?

Short definition: making a product happen.

Extended definition: ensuring that a product is released which:

is what the target clients

need

, versus

technically

possible

is of high

quality

(relative to the competition), versus

is available in a

timely

fashion.

Note the tension which exists, as well as the balance which must be attained, between these competing product management objectives.

A product manager must take responsibility, directly and indirectly, for

every

activity necessary to releasing a product.

A product manager must do the 3 C's well:

communicating

coordinating

checking up

Note that it is a prudent policy to assume that tasks will not be done or done correctly until proven otherwise. Trust is earned!

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