5.7. Portfolio Managers
The NPD process models identify the need to manage the portfolio of all development projects underway at any given time. Best practice suggests that this task be undertaken by a multifunctional set of portfolio managers. Collectively, portfolio managers own the control of the size and shape of the entire NPD project portfolio. Portfolio managers typically serve in other roles within the business organization so that the NPD portfolio can be well matched to the overall business strategy.
The Project Review model, as described by Crawford (1984), emphasizes the importance of an explicit "contract" between an NPD project and the managers of the overall portfolio. The portfolio manager therefore works closely with the process champion and process sponsor to confirm "contractual" details. The viability of this contract is owned by the portfolio managers, but if the project no longer fits in the portfolio of next products, then the contract will be abrogated and the project killed.
NOTE
The portfolio managers own the robustness of the portfolio of active development projects.
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