Do you possibly need some sort of aptitude test for your project manager ?

[workplace psychopath]

The artifacts, deliverables, supplied to the system integrator would need to offer "controllabilty" and "steerability".
They need to allow freedom to the project manager.
Therefore a project manager has the freedom should they so choose to foul up the project beyond all recognition.

For example there might be furious doctoring of set to work documentation, user manuals, test documents, code, instead of following procedures and simply redlining user manuals and test documents.

So you possibly need some sort of aptitude test for your project manager.
To dave
Thanks. Terrific.

[dryheatdave]

First, let me say I'm an SOA Architect, Integration Designer, Legacy Domain Lead & some time PM.

Rule # 1 - the project manager makes the final decision. You get to provide your professional opinion & if the PM doesn't take it, it's their problem. Emails are great for CYA in this case.

Next understand your PM may have some in depth experience - but he has to oversee 6-8 skillsets. That can be VERY difficult. So, if the PM doesn't make the decision YOU want, it might be because YOU weren't convincing enough.

In the end, the PM is always unappreciated by many - but they have overall responsibility for just about anything - it's a tough job.