PMOs... The Basics

PBOK 7th Edition page 211 refers to a PMO as "...portfolio, program, or project management office."

I like to think of PMOs as the directors and or guiders within projects but actually a PMO is an organizational structure that standardizes project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques.

Each PMO provides their own way of meeting organizational needs.

Supportive PMO: Provides a consultative role to projects, acts as a repository for projects, methodologies, and best practices with a low degree of control

Functions:
- Provides templates, best practices, training, and access to information
- Serves as a project information hub

Best for:
- Organizations with loosely controlled projects
- Environments where project managers prefer high levels of autonomy

2. Controlling PMO: Provides support and requires compliance with a moderate degree of control

- Ensures adherence to PMO methodologies and governance
- May be involved in project resourcing decisions
- Might provide project management services

Best for:
- Organizations seeking some level of standardization
- Environments where a balance between standardization and flexibility is desired

Directive PMO: Takes control of projects through direct management with high degree of control
Functions:
- Directly manages projects
- Provides project managers and is responsible for their performance
- Makes key project decisions

Best for:
- Organizations requiring tight project control
- Environments with critical, high-risk projects

Center of Excellence PMO: Focuses on strategic alignment and improving project management capabilities with a variable degree of control

Functions:
- Promotes project management within the organization
- Develops and maintains project management methodologies, standards, and tools
- Provides training and mentoring

Best for:
- Organizations looking to enhance project management maturity
- Environments where continuous improvement is a priority

Enterprise PMO (EPMO): Operates at a strategic level, ensuring project alignment with organizational objectives with a high degree of control, but at a strategic level. May have an ACoE (Agile Center of Excellence)/CoE (Center of Excellence). I've personally seen a salesforce team being assisted by a CoE and VDO (Value delivery Office) in which both are design to provide coaching, mentorship, and scaling agile skills.

Functions:
- Provides organization-wide project oversight
- Ensures strategic alignment of all projects and programs
- Often involved in portfolio management

Best for:
- Large organizations with multiple departments or business units
- Environments where strategic alignment of projects is crucial

Project-Specific PMO:- Provides project management support for a single project or program with a degree of control which varies based on project needs

Functions:
- Manages schedules, budgets, and scope for a specific project
- Coordinates communication among stakeholders

Best for:
- Large, complex projects or programs
- Temporary structures that disband after project completion

Understanding the different types of PMOs helps organizations choose the most appropriate structure based on their specific needs, culture, and project management maturity level. The right PMO type can significantly enhance project success rates, improve resource utilization, and align projects with strategic objectives.

PBOK 7th Edition pages 211-215

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