MOA / MOE: how are the roles divided on an information system implementation project?

Project governance almost systematically requires a steering committee. During the construction and the realization of an IT project, it is necessary to be able to clearly define the objectives and the means necessary to reach them. From this point of view, two roles are essential for the success of this type of project: that of the project owner(MOA) and the project manager(MOE). Two positions that are sometimes confused, but which have different, yet complementary, responsibilities.

HR Strategy

image HR blog

Who is the MOA and what are its responsibilities?

The MOA project manager, otherwise known as the strategic pilot, represents the project client. In general, it belongs either to the teams of the client who buys the IS, or to the firm to which the MOA is delegated, its objective is to obtain a final product that is as close as possible to the client’s expectations. In order for him to achieve this, different attributions are allocated to him, the main ones being :

  • the drafting of the functional specifications,
  • the choice of the project manager,
  • project management,
  • validation of the functional acceptance,
  • sometimes the accompaniment of change is delegated to him.

The functions of the MOA

Responsible for structuring the project, the MOA performs several essential functions, such as:

  • determine the overall objectives of the project,
  • estimate and allocate a budget for the project,
  • decide on the project delivery time,
  • Facilitate committees and meetings,
  • validate each step of the development.

The concrete activity of the project owner

The project owner manages the project throughout its implementation. As the authority representing the client, it is up to him to validate all the development stages so that the final product is as close as possible to the objectives set. For this reason, he also participates in the realization of the product acceptance, as well as in the various tests and trials.

The project owner also has the function of providing a functional specification(CdCF) in collaboration with the project manager. Indeed, as it concerns many technical details, this document must be made with an expert to be as accurate as possible.

In the execution of his daily tasks, the project owner can ask for the help of an AMOA(assistance to project owner). The latter assists him in making technical choices and allows him to express his needs as accurately as possible to the project manager.

Who is the EOM and what are its responsibilities?

The project manager is the lead developer or technical project manager. It is he who decides on the technical means to be implemented to meet the objectives defined by the project owner. In the case of smaller projects, he can even participate in the design of the final product. He therefore has a versatile role as a technician, expert and manager.

The functions of the EOM

Responsible for the realization of the project, the project manager performs several essential functions such as:

  • assist the project manager in the technical follow-up and the development of the specifications
  • choose providers,
  • manage project development teams,
  • Ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget and report progress to the project owner.

The concrete activity of the EMO

The project owner is not the only one who is responsible for the conduct of the project. The final result of the latter is also largely due to the skills of the EMO. In concrete terms, the project manager is a bridge between the development teams or service providers that he manages and the project owner, for whom he is the privileged collaborator.

The role of the project manager is therefore complex and requires many technical, communication and managerial skills to overcome the difficulties inherent in any project (keeping to deadlines and budgets, communication problems, etc.).

The importance of collaboration between the project owner and the project manager in the conduct of a project

The success of a project is therefore strongly linked to the relationship between the project manager and the project owner. The project manager must listen to the client, of course, but never lose sight of the feasibility of the objectives he imposes on the development teams. He must therefore also listen to the project manager, particularly with regard to the creation of the specifications.

It is essential that these two major players in the project are fully aware of and respect the limits of their respective responsibilities. Thus, a project owner should never impose a solution to a technical problem on the development teams. This part of the work is the main contractor’s area of expertise. Similarly, the EPC should never modify or abandon any element of the project that it deems irrelevant or infeasible. In this case, he must refer to the project owner who will make a decision by finding the right compromise between his opinion and the client’s wishes.

However, the relationship between these two entities should not be too stereotypical either. It must take into account the personality and experience of each person. For example, for some projects, the project manager may have some technical skills and for others he may be more limited at this level. In the latter case, the project owner will necessarily have to rely a little more on the project manager.

Share This