 |
The 3 Different Types of Project Management Offices
Author: John Reiling  | Posted: 14-12-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 31 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
There are 3 basic types of Project Management Office (PMO) organizations, varying in the degree of control and influence they have on projects within the organization. You will need to determine which type you need to establish in order to have an effective project office.
The 3 types of PMOs include:
1. Supportive PMO
The Supportive PMO generally provides support in the form of on-demand expertise, templates, best practices, access the information and expertise on other projects, and the like. This can work in an organization where projects are done successfully in a loosely controlled manner and where additional control is deemed unnecessary. Also, if the objective is to have a sort of 'clearinghouse' of project management info across the enterprise to be used freely by PMs, then the Supportive PMO is the right type.
2. Controlling PMO
In organizations where there is a desire to "reign in" the activities - processes, procedures, documentation, and more - a controlling PMO can accomplish that. Not only does the organization provide support, but it also REQUIRES that the support be used. Requirements might include adoption of specific methodologies, templates, forms, conformance to governance, and application of other PMO controlled sets of rules. In addition, project offices might need to pass regular reviews by the Controlling PMO, and this may represent a risk factor on the project. This works if a. there is a clear case that compliance with PMO offerings will bring imporvements in the organization and how it exectes on projects, and b. the PMO has sufficient executive support to stand behind the controls the PMO puts in place.
3. Directive PMO
This type goes beyond control and actually "takes over" the projects by providing the project management experience AND resources to manage the project. As organizations undertake projects, professional project managers from the PMO are assigned to the projects. This injects a great deal of professionalism into the projects, and, since each of the project managers originates and reports back to the Directive PMO, it guarantees a high level of consistency of practice across all projects. This is effective in larger organizations that often matrix out support in various areas, and where this setup would fit the culture.
The best type is very specific to the organization, culture, and history of what works and what does not. But the objectives are – more or less – to:
1. Implement a common methodology
2. Standardize terminology
3. Introduce effective repeatable project management processes
4. Provide common supporting tools
5. Ultimately, the objective is to improve levels of project success within the organization.
Being aware of these types can help you and your organization more easily accomplish this.
For more informative articles around the project management field, see the PMcrunch web site. PMcrunch provides fresh perspectives on the world of project management in the areas of Certification, Online Project Management, Project Management Process, Project Management Templates, and Soft Skills.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/project-management-articles/the-3-different-types-of-project-management-offices-282789.html
 About the Author:I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where I went to Central Catholic High School. I excelled at football and basketball. I went to college at Princeton and earned a BS in Engineering. I then entered a career in industry, working in mining, manufacturing, metal fabricating, environmental services, and othr related industries. Along the way I earned my MBA from Carnegie Mellon. After about 12 years I made a switch into the information technology field, and became a Lotus Notes developer. I gradually moved into project management in that field. Today, I am in the project management consulting field, and have several web sites, including Project Management Training Online, Lean Six Sigma Training Online, and a growing authority site PMcrunch.com.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means to drive traffic to your website and promote yourself and your business. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Find the Project Management Office That Suits your Needs
By: Daiv Russell | 15/02/2008 | Project Management
The success of a Project Management Office depends strongly on its ability to meet the needs of the business it is working for. The different categories of Project Management Offices vary in the amount of control and influence they have regarding a companies projects, and as such are categorized into the following three types:
The Phased Approach to Project Management Implementation
By: Thomas P. Stevens, PMP | 22/09/2008 | Project Management
If you are thinking about using a project management consulting company to assist your organization with implementing a Project Management Office (PMO), there are a couple of important factors that you should consider when choosing the right firm. According to PMAlliance, Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia-based project management consulting company, implementing a PMO can present significant challenges which can be met through a phased approach to implementation.
Avoiding the Project Management Obstacle Course
By: Duncan Haughey | 08/01/2008 | Project Management
Let's get straight to the point, project management by form filling is not an effective way of managing projects. These days many organisations and individual's whole project management strategy revolves around becoming slaves to a methodology. Don't get me wrong, there are many very good methodologies out there and they all have their part to play but it's not the be-all and end-all of project management.
Are you F.I.T. to be a Project Manager? Part 1
By: Josephine Marcellin | 04/06/2006 | Management
Have you ever asked yourself what does it really take to be a successful Project Manager? In this series of articles, we will examine what really constitutes our "Fitness For Use".
Problem-solving Success Tip: Communicate! Don't Leave your Key Stakeholders Guessing
By: Jeanne Sawyer | 20/02/2007 | Management
We are generally not very good about keeping others informed about the progress we're making, especially if there isn't much. You're more likely to get support and understanding if you get the word out honestly about what is and isn't happening.
Employee Motivation Through Employee Tracking How?
By: michael | 22/06/2007 | Software
Generally what happens in most organizations, each and every employee has got few projects to work on but no body knows what exactly is going on with that employee. Whether he is performing his role well, applying his best or net, whether he is satisfied with his profile or need growth as per his extra skills and capabilities.
How to Select Right Custom Software Development Services Provider?
By: Mark | 05/10/2007 | Software
Tandoninfo.com is specialized in software services such as custom software development, application development, project management, quality testing and quality assurance as well as SAP Business One software solutions, etc.
Today’s Dashboard - not Just Something in your Car!
By: Leaftech | 03/01/2008 | Internet
Manage everything you do using an internet based computer dashboard.
Latest Project Management Articles
Project Management – the Career for You?
By: projectmanuk | 17/11/2008
Project Management is an increasingly popular career choice for young graduates. According to statistics produced by the Middlesex University National Centre for Project Management, 1.5 – 2 million people earn their living as Project Managers in the UK alone.
Microsoft Project Training - Where Do I Start?
By: Steve Twine | 10/11/2008
Microsoft Project is the world's most popular project management software - but even regular users would often benefit from a better understanding of its full capabilities. Moreover new reporting and communications features in the 2007 release are well worth understanding.
Automation Infatuation-mobile Work Place Automation Makes Chemical Plant Operations More Reliable and Efficient
By: Brady Moritz | 06/11/2008
Throughout the chemical process industry, it’s difficult to think about plant monitoring without visualizing personnel on daily rounds laboriously filling out paper log sheets. Besides being a manual-intensive routine, this traditional monitoring approach primarily focuses only on documentation.
Energy Independence for 800 Year Old Mill on Remote Italian Island
By: Beth Shady | 30/10/2008
Pacific Solar Radiant, Inc. a Santa Cruz based design/build mechanical engineering, plumbing and heating company traveled to a remote Italian island to make an 800 year old mill completely sustainable and off-grid.
How to Build a Library
By: Samuel Bryant | 29/10/2008
When identifying a need for a library a person must identify the needs to the organization or community.
Dust Collectors
By: Oleg Chetchel | 28/10/2008
The use of centrifugal force to throw a dust particle to the periphery of an air stream has been used in the cyclone collector for many years. Dry centrifugal dust collectors can be divided into two basic groups cataloged by their effectiveness in removal of smaller dust particles.
Pacific Timesheet Announces New Iphone Support
By: Jason Trend | 25/10/2008
Pacific Timesheet announces its leading project timesheet software is the first to support the Apple iPhone.
How You Can Make Huge Amount of Money Over the Internet
By: Eddiee | 21/10/2008
It would also help if you can identify their buying power (to see if they can afford your products), their online behavior (to easily make your marketing strategies more focused), and their preferences.
Check on your competitors. You can stay on top of the game if you know the strengths and weaknesses of those people that you are up against. Identify the elements that they are using in creating and selling their products online and top them by exerting more efforts and energy on your product cr
More from John Reiling
Is a Political Campaign a Project?
By: John Reiling | 15/05/2008 | Management
I say, a resounding “YES” to the question “Is a political campaign a project?”. Why? Well, a political campaign has a distinctive beginning and end, and in between there is a lot of planning, a great deal of execution, and a great deal of monitoring and controlling. And of course there is a closing – usually with lots of lessons learned. Let us look a bit at these elements and explore if a political campaign is a project.
Top 10 Benefits to Earning a Certification
By: John Reiling | 29/01/2008 | Project Management
Is it worth it for you to put in all of the work? Consider these benefits of earning a certification, and if you see the benefits for your situation, go for it!
Project Management Certifications Worldwide
By: John Reiling | 24/01/2008 | Project Management
There are a number of project management certifications available worldwide.
Virtual Project Management Group
By: John Reiling | 24/01/2008 | Careers
If you want to network directly with some other PMs, but would like to do so 'virtually' - from the comfort of your home, this group could be what you are looking for.
Pmp Pdus: is Inexpensive and More Convenient a Bad Thing?
By: John Reiling | 23/01/2008 | Project Management
I have read a post where the author – ‘daver’ – asserts that there is a “troubling trend” as there
“There seems to be the wide array of potentially low-value education PDUs that can be earned from certified education providers.
What are the Commonalities and Differences Between Prince2 and Pmbok?
By: John Reiling | 22/01/2008 | Project Management
As the most common standards in the world for the discipline of Project Management, what are the commonalities and differences between the Project Management Institute’s "Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK) and the British government's "Projects in Controlled Environments" (PRINCE2) ?
An 8 Point Plan for Passing the Pmp or Capm Exam
By: John Reiling | 08/01/2008 | Project Management
Any good Project Manager knows the importance of having a good plan. So, if you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, wouldn't it be a great idea to build a plan? As in life, many procrastinate, can't find the time, and myriad other excuses, and do not get where they want to go - to pass the exam. Be a planner, and practice good project management in the process.
|
|
Business 
