Traditionally, the Project Manager’s focus was to bring a project in on-time and on-budget. In today’s changing environment, the scope of the Project Manager’s job is becoming increasingly broader.

As organizations become increasingly project based, Project Managers need to be more financially savvy. Not only must projects be on-time and on-budget, but they also need to contribute to both shareholder value and the long-term financial success of the business.

Looking at projects as “ventures” will require Project Managers to better understand the company’s cash cycle and how each project fits into it.

Dennis Cohen is a Senior Consultant with SMG, Inc. leading its Project Leadership Practice. He is also the founder and President of Optimal Performance Network, an SMG global partner. He works with clients to improve business performance by aligning and optimizing their strategic execution process to convert strategy into action. This includes strategy formulation, implementation through project, program and project portfolio management and leadership coaching. In addition, Dennis has advised and coached thousands of managers in the areas of business acumen, strategy, leadership and project leadership for many different organizations. Before joining SMG, Dennis was a Research Associate at the Management and Behavioral Science Center of The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Senior Fellow with the Wharton Center for Applied Research. He has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Management for the Wharton School, teaching courses in management and entrepreneurship. Dennis holds a BA and MA from the University of California, Berkeley, an MA and PhD from the University of Wisconsin, and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.