PMAC Designation Change Task Force: Update on a new credential identity

June 2008

A task force appointed by the PMAC National Board of Directors has now launched its work, examining the issue of professional designation change. Specifically, the member task force will be making recommendations on implementation matters related to a possible replacement of the C.P.P. designation, including:

• A name for a new designation
• Timing of such a change
• Implications for current C.P.P. designation holders
• Legal registration of a new designation
• Resource requirements

Background

PMAC began a process of strategic renewal in 2004. The process embraced a change in focus “toward a strategic shift from purchasing to comprehensive supply chain management.”

The renewal process identified four strategic priorities for PMAC:

• Defining a new field of practice
• Redesigning the product
• Branding and promoting the product
• Operating more like a business

One of the key implications associated with branding and promotion is “the need to establish a corporate and credential identity that is more reflective of a new field of practice.” It has been a progressive, evolutionary process that has brought us to this point.

In the Fall 2007 issue of The Voice PMAC President Bob Dye outlined the rationale for considering a new professional credential identity at this time. We have already redefined our field of practice as strategic supply chain management, launched our Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program and begun to build our brand profile. The next step is to explore a credential identity that better reflects these changes.

Task Force Membership

Designation Change Task Force members were selected to reflect the diversity of the PMAC membership and ensure a broad range of perspectives. Task force members come from across Canada and include both recent and long-time C.P.P.s as well as candidates in the new accreditation program. A range of industries from both the private and public sectors are also represented by task force members.

Stefane Belleau, a.p.a.
Director, National Procurement, ING Canada
Montreal, Quebec

Lee Ann Carver, C.P.P.
Operations Manager, Brampton Distribution Centre, Canadian Tire
Brampton, Ontario

Rob Kieley
Product Supply Manager, Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation
St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Howard Neufeld
Director, Supply Chain, The Original Cakerie Ltd.
Delta, British Columbia

Jim G. Nicholson, C.P.P.
Corporate Supply Project Leader, City of Calgary, Finance & Supply
Calgary, Alberta

Donna Lee Reid, C.P.P.
Manager, Purchasing
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mississauga, Ontario

Member Consultation

Member consultation has been an essential and ongoing part of the association’s strategic renewal. This is certainly the case in our consideration of a designation change. Most recently in June 2007 an online survey of members was conducted by a professional research firm.

A total of 1,261 members participated in the survey. The response rate was 22.5% among members with valid e-mail addresses. Of the respondents, 51.4% were C.P.P.s, 38.6% were working towards the designation and 10.0% were neither. According to the research firm, this is an excellent response rate. Typical response rates for membership surveys sit between 15-18%. The survey was tested at a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.67%. This means that the results are considered highly valid and representative of the opinions of the entire PMAC membership.

Across all Provincial Institutes and demographic segments, survey results show a clear preference for a modernizing of the credential identity. Of all the respondents, 82% expressed support for a change. However, 16% of these positive respondents also indicated concern for how a change would affect their status as a C.P.P. or accreditation candidate and urged the association to consider carefully the issue of grandparenting. The task force will be reviewing the survey results as it formulates its recommendations. The goal will be to balance the need to recognize the achievement of our C.P.P. holders in obtaining and maintaining the designation with the need to raise the bar on the profession.

Next Steps

The task force welcomes further member input on the implementation issues it is mandated to examine. The task force may also address any other matters that it believes could have an impact on the successful introduction of a new professional designation.

PMAC members have a number of different options for providing additional feedback on designation change:

1. E-mail the task force directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
2. Contribute to a PMAC Discussion Forum on Designation Change on our National Member Portal
3. Contact your PMAC Provincial or Territorial Institute

The task force is required to submit its report to the PMAC Board of Directors by December 31, 2008. Members will continue to be informed of all key developments and decisions.