As the Wikipedia definition states, the product owner cannot be the ScrumMaster. For non-agile folks, that also means that the proDUCT manager cannot also be the proJECT manager. It’s the fox in the henhouse. It says the person who owns the scope of the project cannot also determine the schedule. And besides, it’s a different skill set. Project managers typically work with a product for one iteration or release; product managers work with a product throughout its life cycle.
ProJECT managers focus on scheduling the deliverables for a single release.
ProDUCT managers focus on the business over the product's (multiple) releases.
Need help selling the idea in your organization. Download one of our free ebooks. The Strategic Role of Product Management focuses on the strategic role. Living in an Agile World reexamines the role of product management in an agile environment.
