The diversity of speakers both broadened the scope and delved into. Portfolio management turns out to be a much bigger topic than many of us imagined. Portfolios of Change I oversimplify here to create a mental picture. At product level, we start the value chain with a portfolio of ideas and raw technologies plus the expertise to prove concepts. To complete the chain, we move an ever-improving technology through a portfolio of development processes.
Effective development is constantly in touch with customers.
At portfolio level, we manage a suite of products moving along a suite of value chains, each in different stages of development or redevelopment. We evaluate and control risks, ultimate value, and timing of the various projects. We listen to a whole portfolio of customers, as many as are served by our potential products. At business level, we deal with everything necessary to support a portfolio of developing products plus promotion, delivery, service, and support of finished products. This article focuses on the product side, including portfolios of sources of technologies, business strategies, alliances, and suppliers.