ABSTRACT

A formal project management approach, together with an accompanying plan, is highly beneficial where there are numerous interdependent tasks and teams spread across several functions or companies, which are common occurrences when working within a category management environment. Category management borrows many of the tools and techniques originally developed as part of the project management philosophy, mainly because of the solidity and exactitude they provide. While the ability to drive projects to their ultimate conclusion is seen as an essential competency for category managers, many fail to apply project management methodology and too often confuse planning with scheduling, when in fact both are required. One of the main reasons that project management can get overlooked is due to the crossover with governance that was addressed during Stage 1 (Initiation). Category teams would be well advised to overlook this essential component at their peril.