Program/Project Management Office(PMO)

Why a PMO & What exactly is it?

• 69% of project failures are due to lack and/or improper implementation of project management methodologies

• Department responsible for improving project management within an organization

• Ensures the organization implements the right projects, using the right processes and the right tools needed to succeed

• standardize and introduce economies of repetition in the execution of projects

What types of PMOs exist?

• Supportive PMO. o Focuses on supporting projects through training, mentoring,

administration and reporting.  • Controlling PMO.

o Offers controlling services (such as project reviews, audits, assessments and governance). It can also enforce standards, implement processes and manage overall project risk.

  • Directive PMO.

o The PMO is responsible for actually running all projects. Helps to “corral” all of the project work within an organization to one department.

Which type of PMO is suitable?

• Implementing a PMO from scratch o Supportive PMO is best. Helps to add value by providing

reporting, training and monitoring services.

• If you have an established PMO and you want to ensure that projects are independently assessed o Controlling PMO is best. You can directly influence the

success of projects, as well as implement best practices, standards and project management tools.

• In case of high risk projects o Directive PMO is best. You can combine all of your

organizational resources into making a well-controlled set of targeted project activities successful.

What are the PMO’s responsibilities?

Regardless of the type of PMO you employ, it will be responsible for:

• Identifying and resolving common problems across projects • Standardizing project management processes and tools • Improving project management capabilities and skills • Monitoring and reporting on projects and portfolio status • Reducing the cost of projects • Improving project success.

How do you set up and implement a PMO?

To set up and run an efficient PMO operation, you need to progress through 4 phases:

• PMO Initiation: o PMO Role Definedo Sponsorship is Obtainedo PMO Charter is Createdo Funding is Sought and a Steering Committee is Appointed for Oversighto Staff are Assigned Roles and Potentially Relocated

• PMO Planning: o Create a PMO Execution Plano Select Methodology, Templates and Tools needed to succeed

• PMO Execution:o Offer supporting, Controlling and / or Directive Services to Project Teamso Offer training, Mentoring and Supporto Reviews and Assessmentso Management of Projects

• PMO Improvement:o Continually Improve Level of Serviceo Review the Effectiveness Success of Projectso Service Improvements Need to be Continually Implemented

Reference List:

Megan Santosus, (2003). Why You Need a Project Management Office (PMO). Retrieved April 19, 2008, from CIO, Web site: http://www.cio.com/article/29887/Why_You_Need_a_Project_Management_Office_PMO_

Project Management Office – PMO, Retrieved April 19, 2008, from Method 1 2 3, Empowering Managers to Succeed, Web site: http://www.method123.com/articles/2007/05/07/Project-Management-Office/

Danny Bradbury, (2005). Programme Management, PMO: What is it and do you need one? Retrieved April 19, 2008, from Silicon.com, Driving Business Through Technology, Web site: http://www.silicon.com/research/specialreports/programme/0,3800004583,39128941,00.htm

Project management office, Retrieved April 22, 2008, from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management_office