We were weeks away from 'Go Live'. The project plan was being walked through, and when it came to engaging the business on testing -'So how are we going with engaging the business?', the program manager asks. Heads turn from side to side, seeking the positive response that will put everyone at ease - an awkward silence ensues. 

You may question how it is that there would be role confusion in a project, when a team of experienced staff come together to deliver a project - and yet it still happens! The end result is a decrease in quality, time delays, conflict within the team and that ultimate pointing of fingers when the Sponsor asks - 'why wasn't that completed by now?'.

Tasks being incomplete, or handovers not taking place, it all comes down to the following common causes:

- The project manager (PM) assumes everyone knows their role. Even though you have a team of experienced professionals they bring with them their own way of working. To avoid any conflict, it is worth pushing re-...