Harold Frankson is the CEO of Frankson Inc., a privately Mr. Frankson was pleased that Ms. Baresak found owned, medium-sized manufacturing company. The something that he could fix, but he did not care much company is 17 years old, and until recently has experi- for her solution. He believed that his functional depart- enced rapid growth. Mr. Frankson credits the Asian ment managers were capable, professional people who economy with the company's recent problems. should be able to work together efficiently and effect Six months ago Mr. Frankson hired Elizabeth tively. He thought that he should work with his man- Baresak as the director of corporate planning for the agement team to provide them with the direction they company. After reviewing the company's financial needed-what to do, when to do it, and who should do statement and performance records for the last few it. He would then put the functional manager most years, Ms. Baresak came to the conclusion that the closely related to the problem in charge of the group. Asian economy was not the real problem impacting He was sure that if he gave them a directed push, the Frankson's recent performance. Ms. Baresak felt that projects would get rolling. the Frankson Company's products were out of date After this explanation by Mr. Frankson, Ms. Baresak and the company had not done a good job of re- is more convinced than ever that a separate, non-func- sponding to its market. She found examples of the tional project manager is necessary for the company. company not moving quickly enough when faced with a market threat or an opportunity. Questions Ms. Baresak met with Mr. Frankson, told him her 1. In what ways is Ms. Baresak correct? In what conclusions, and added that she believed that the ways is Mr. Frankson correct? strong functional organization of the company impeded the kind of action required to fix projects. Accordingly, 2. If you were Ms. Baresak, how would you sell she recommended that Mr. Frankson create a new po- your idea to Mr. Frankson? sition, Projects and Programs Officer, to use and pro- 3. Are there other organizational ideas worth mote project-management principles and techniques considering? at Frankson. The PPO would also act as a project man- 4. If a new position is created, what other ager for several current critical projects. changes would you recommend making