Sean WhitakerProject Management Consultant| Crystal ConsultingChristchurch, New Zealand
If organizational project management is to succeed then isn't it about time we expected to see more CPO's? Surely, the best metric of organizational project management success is a C-Level project management position? Thoughts? Saving Changes...
What would be the responsibility area of a CPO? Do we really need more "Chiefs"? What about a chief business analyst then?
Wouldn't it be better when existing C-Level people know more about the value of project management and BA?
I'm no friend of new chief roles because in my opinion it does not make things better but enlarges "claims and politics management".
...
1 reply by Sean Whitaker
Jun 23, 2016 9:42 PM
Sean Whitaker
...
Im always curious why there is a Finance Department with a CFO and a Human Resources department with a C-Level manager, but no equivalent for project management particularly when most organisations achieve strategic success via successful projects. It seems that we need C-Level representation of project management. Maybe we should rename the COO to CPO?
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I tend to agree with Rolf on this besides the fact that I've never worked in a project or organization where there was CPO and in fact, never heard of this title before. I like horizontal management and find it more efficient (Of course it depends on the project).The more you go vertical, the more things get complicated sometimes. Saving Changes...
Gopal SahaiCorporate Trainer| Self employedNew Delhi, Delhi, India
Although I haven't heard of a CPO, but there sure is a CPD certification (Certified Project Director).... Saving Changes...
Sean WhitakerProject Management Consultant| Crystal ConsultingChristchurch, New Zealand
Jun 23, 2016 8:28 AM
Replying to John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM
...
Sean, Great inquiry. Have you worked in an environment with a CPO? I have not and I'm curious if others who may reply to this thread have.
I only know one organisation with a CPO and they are doing well since they established the position. Im curious about the experience of others.
...
1 reply by Eduard Hernandez
May 30, 2018 10:27 AM
Eduard Hernandez
...
Hi Sean, could you provide further insight on the role and responibilities of a CPO?
Saving Changes...
Sean WhitakerProject Management Consultant| Crystal ConsultingChristchurch, New Zealand
Jun 23, 2016 11:24 AM
Replying to Rolf Dieter Zschau
...
What would be the responsibility area of a CPO? Do we really need more "Chiefs"? What about a chief business analyst then?
Wouldn't it be better when existing C-Level people know more about the value of project management and BA?
I'm no friend of new chief roles because in my opinion it does not make things better but enlarges "claims and politics management".
Im always curious why there is a Finance Department with a CFO and a Human Resources department with a C-Level manager, but no equivalent for project management particularly when most organisations achieve strategic success via successful projects. It seems that we need C-Level representation of project management. Maybe we should rename the COO to CPO? Saving Changes...
Hi Sean. I agree that COO should be the representative for project management. But since in many organizations I know there's not only PM in operations, I would think it too restrictive to call it CPO. And if you have both, you will have the "Claim and politics" game at C-Level. Regarding the one org with CPO you know: do they have a COO, too? How are they organized? What's their product/service? Are they a projects-only organization? Then I would think it's O.K. to have a CPO. Or are they "only" a good C-Level Team? I think it could be worth it to look closer, why it's working well for them. Saving Changes...
Melvin RandleSenior Strategy and Transformation Consultant| 1897 Holdings IncSachse, Tx, United States
I tend to believe that it is time for Project Management to ne recognized at the C-Level. In my experience, the project management organization is tasked with: validating that work aligns with the strategic direction of the company (CEO), financials and financial metrics roll up to the CFO org (this includes capitalization, chargebacks and ROI), company adherence to governance and regulations (Compliance), optimization of resources (HR), long-term planning (Strategy), defining methodologies/processes/metrics to track productivity, tactical management of portfolios/programs/projects for various departments (IT-CIO/CTO, Marketing-CMO, Legal-GC, etc...), etc... If the PM organization can be so heavily integrated with each major area within senior management, why then wouldn't it be part of said senior management team.
My Project Management Oversight Committee is comprised of the C-Level. It seems to me that companies look to the benefits derived from the PM structure but have yet to bring it into the fold to truly grow with additional insights.
I can see where additional bureaucracy can stifle any gains but I believe that the ends far outweigh the means. And for companies that bill initiatives to clients or are simply highly-project focused, having someone in the C-Level that speaks to the revenue generating arm of the company can only assist with better decision making.
...
1 reply by Mahmood Cheema
Jan 23, 2019 11:55 PM
Mahmood Cheema
...
Hi Melvin,
Though it's off topic but I was searching for chargebacks and showbacks and I got on to this thread. I have recently joined one of the Petrochemical company in IT department as Lead PMO. I have been asked to assist with to how to come up with IT chargebacks and showbacks (IT Financial management). Since this is something new to me, I would really appreciate any guidance or best practices or templates you can share with me. I would be highly obliged. My email is [email protected]. Many thanks!
I've never worked in a organization with a CPO...that should be super cool! Really having someone in the upper level position that understand our issues and communications needs will be very supportive Saving Changes...
Community Champion
