Response

A project sponsor plays a significant role in securing the project`s funds and giving clear directions to the teams involved in the project. The ultimate objective of the project sponsor is to provide behind-the-scenes assistance to project personnel for projects both internal to the company, as well as external.

Why do some executives refuse to function as project sponsors?

Most Project Managers are affected by the constraints of time. They are overextended watching over the project and spending more time a week on the project alone in addition to their usual duties. When they are overextended, it results in increased costs incurred in the project. Project managers fear.  Executives fear the scope creep where a certain project starts in a certain way but as it progresses, it takes on a different form and shape and does not look the same as from the beginning. (Elizabeth Harrin, 2017).

 Can an executive be ' forced' to function as a sponsor?

I believe that an executive can be forced to function as a sponsor, but that would not be ideal. There would be challenges that would have to be overcome for this to effectively work. The role of a project sponsor is to advocate for or champion the project, especially while the project concept is being put together and serves as a voice for the project or spokesperson to those who do not know about the project, including upper management. For this reason, the sponsor needs to be committed to the success of the project.  This level of commitment may not be possible to achieve if an executive is “forced” to assume the role of sponsor.

 Is it right for the sponsor to be the ultimate person responsible for the success or failure of the project?

I think that a sponsor should not be the ultimate person responsible for the success or failure of the project this is because the project sponsor is involved in the project but the success of a project mainly is in the hands of the project team unless it is hamstrung by cultural and organizational barriers to success. (Mark, 2016).

The failure of a project is attributed to many factors ranging from irrational, unclear or changing objectives to poor performance. The poor p by the team project is a responsibility shared by all those involved in the project. Individuals in the project teams are responsible for making the right level of effort and making sure they have the skills that they need to perform.

References

Elizabeth Harrin (2017) challenges of project sponsors.it was retrieved from https://www.girlsguidetopm.com/top-challenges-for-project-sponsors/

Mark A Langley (2016) executive sponsors .it was retrieved from https://www.europeanceo.com/business-and-management/executive-sponsors-are-the-secret-to-project-management-success/