1. Program/Project Management Office (PMO)

2. 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

3. What types of PMOs exist?
Supportive PMO.
Focuses on supporting projects through training, mentoring, administration and reporting.
Controlling PMO.
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.
The PMO is responsible for actually running all projects. Helps to “corral” all of the project work within an organization to one department.

4. Which type of PMO is suitable?
Implementing a PMO from scratch
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
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
Directive PMO is best. You can combine all of your organizational resources into making a well-controlled set of targeted project activities successful.

5. 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.

6. 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:
PMO Role Defined
Sponsorship is Obtained
PMO Charter is Created
Funding is Sought and a Steering Committee is Appointed for Oversight
Staff are Assigned Roles and Potentially Relocated
PMO Planning:
Create a PMO Execution Plan
Select Methodology, Templates and Tools needed to succeed
PMO Execution:
Offer supporting, Controlling and / or Directive Services to Project Teams
Offer training, Mentoring and Support
Reviews and Assessments
Management of Projects
PMO Improvement:
Continually Improve Level of Service
Review the Effectiveness Success of Projects
Service Improvements Need to be Continually Implemented

7. Reference List:
Megan Santosus, (2003). Why You Need a Project Management Office (PMO). Retrieved April 19,
2008, from CIO,
Web site:
Project Management Office – PMO, Retrieved April 19, 2008, from
Method 1 2 3, Empowering Managers to Succeed,
Web site:
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:
Project management office, Retrieved April 22, 2008, from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
Web site: