In a project cycle time problem, who is NOT likely to be identified as the customer?

In the context of a project cycle time problem, the process owner is typically not viewed as the customer. The process owner is responsible for overseeing the process and ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively, but they are more of an internal stakeholder focusing on the management of the process rather than an end recipient of the output.

On the other hand, end users, the next downstream organization, and external customers all have a vested interest in the outcome of the project. End users are those who directly interact with the product or service, while the next downstream organization refers to the group that uses the output as part of their own process. External customers are individuals or organizations that purchase or use the final product or service provided. All of these groups are categorized as customers because they have direct needs and expectations related to the project's deliverables.

Therefore, the process owner stands apart from these customer roles, making them less likely to be identified as the customer in a project cycle time problem.