Definition
Project roles define the specific responsibilities and authorities assigned to individuals or groups within a project. These roles outline who is accountable for what tasks, decisions, and outcomes, ensuring clarity and efficient workflow. In practice, roles are established during project planning and documented in the project charter or responsibility assignment matrix. Understanding project roles is crucial for effective team collaboration, preventing confusion, and ensuring that all necessary project functions are covered. For example, a Project Manager role is responsible for overall project execution, while a Subject Matter Expert role provides specialized knowledge. Unlike job titles, project roles are temporary and specific to the project's lifecycle. These concepts are fundamental to the PMP, CAPM, and PMI-ACP certifications.