TRACK Workshop: Portfolio Management in R&D

This course is designed to provide an introduction to portfolio management in research and development. In it, the participants will learn about both the strategic and financial valuation of proposed projects – and multiple ways one might prioritize a list of projects.  Key concepts such as product pipelines, product life cycles, and product horizons will be covered.  Participants will learn the strengths and weaknesses of applying common metrics such as risk-adjusted net present value and internal rate of return.  This course will also cover the importance of matching one’s portfolio process to the culture of decision making at one’s company.   Participants will also learn scenario analysis and product roadmaps.

The course will feature practical illustrations based on the real-world experiences of the instructor.  The course will include hands-on break-out sessions that will give participants confidence in applying these concepts.   Note that this course will not use (nor advocate for) any specific commercially available portfolio management software. Upon completion, participants will quickly be able to participate in and lead portfolio planning activities that will augment their technical and strategic work, thereby creating more value for their organizations. 

Course Outline: 

• Strategic basis for portfolio planning
• Product valuation – key metrics (and how not to use them)
• Product pipelines, product life cycles and product horizons
• Alignment of valuation with strategy
• Resource allocation (level loading, launch planning)
• Scenario analysis and real options
• Technology and product roadmaps
• Role of longer range technology investments
• Portfolio reviews: guiding principles, alignment with culture

The session will include break-outs to work with the tools and techniques in order to evaluate understanding and also build connections with the other participants.

Target Audience: 

The course is designed for both researchers who have recently assumed a team leadership role and for individual contributors who seeks to lead an innovation team in the future. It is designed for those who want to broaden their ability to develop and present innovation proposals by including compelling financial analyses.   It is also appropriate for an innovation team member who wants to develop a broader understanding of innovation financials.  This course can be viewed as a springboard to the participant’s professional advancement. 

Registration Fees: 

IRI Members: $295

Non Members: $395 

Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel at least 48 hours before a scheduled class. This gives us the opportunity to fill the class. However, if you do not cancel prior to the 48 hours, you will lose the payment for the class.

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