Project Management

December 2015

WHITE PAPER

December 2015

Building High-Performance Project

Talent—A Transformational Initiative

Through a focus on talent, culture and process, the Canadian

Department of National Defence’s Project Manager Competency

Development Framework helps drive successful outcomes.

In an effort to develop strong, effective project managers, the Canadian Department of National Defence

(DND) has created and implemented a comprehensive and robust program that aims to effectively develop and

formally qualify all project managers to position the organization for ongoing project management success.

The DND’s Project Manager Competency Development (PMCD) framework was developed by a small, forwardthinking group of individuals within the department. They recognized the need to develop DND’s project

management talent as well as more effectively match project managers’ competencies with the level of project

complexity.

Through its efforts, the DND has made an investment to ensure that project management becomes a core

competency that drives successful project outcomes. The PMCD framework’s ability to align project manager

competencies with project complexities will continue to play a critical role in meeting the strategic objectives

of the Federal Government’s major equipment recapitalization program for the Canadian Armed Forces and

perhaps become a model of excellence for successful project management throughout the entire government.

A Case for Change

After the Federal Government launched the recapitalization program, DND officials identified a critical need for

a competency framework for its project managers.

The goal of the recapitalization program was to transform the vision of a first-class, modern military into an

active and comprehensive, 20-year CAD$50 billion plan. The strategy included a five-fold increase in capital

spending, which encompassed equipment, infrastructure and information management, with funding for...