Who is typically responsible for providing support to the project management team by helping with funding and influencing stakeholders?

The project sponsor plays a crucial role in supporting the project management team by securing funding and influencing key stakeholders. This individual is usually part of the organization's upper management and has the authority to allocate resources and make decisions that are vital for the project's success. By providing financial support, the project sponsor ensures that the project is adequately funded to meet its objectives. Additionally, the sponsor acts as a bridge between the project team and stakeholders, effectively communicating project goals, benefits, and progress, which helps in gaining stakeholder buy-in and resolving any conflicts that may arise.

In contrast, the project team focuses primarily on executing the plan and achieving project deliverables, while the operations manager is more concerned with ongoing operational efficiency and may not have the same level of involvement in funding or stakeholder engagement for specific projects. The customer, while an important entity in the project, typically provides requirements and feedback rather than direct support in terms of funding and stakeholder influence.