PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO): SETTING UP, STRUCTURE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Objective

The main objective of this course is to empower project management professionals with—

• complete knowledge and information about establishing and managing a PMO
• the required experience, confidence and exposure to assume critical roles in PMOs for the organisations, encouraging demonstration of talent and resulting in growth and development.
• the skill and capability to relate the project management strategy of the organisation to organisational objectives
• the knowledge and understanding to devise and document standards and guidelines for the management of various projects within the organisation
• the skill and knowledge to develop objective metrics to measure performance and track progress of a project
• the required skill set, experience and confidence to undertake any project management-related role in any organisation or industry, thus increasing job opportunities across organisations and/or industries
• the experience and ability to ensure equal and appropriate distribution of resources across projects, thus helping meet budget, time and quality requirements of all projects alike
• the ability and a sense of pride to contribute to organisational success by increasing productivity and return on investment in various projects
• an analytical and strategic mind-set to track project performance and devise strategies to meet the desired standards and requirements

Content

Degree of Control of PMOs

• Supportive
• Controlling
• Directive

Types or Frameworks of PMOs

• Enterprise PMO
• Divisional PMO
• Project-specific PMO
• Project management centre of excellence
• Project support/services

Functions of PMOs

• Establishing project methodologies
• Tracking projects
• Supporting projects

Different Tools used by PMOs

• Program charter
• Work plans
• Governance plans
• Work breakdown structure
• Communication plans
• Forms and templates
• Risk analysis

Steps for Establishing a PMO

• Define objectives
• Garner sponsorship from management
• Define PMO tools and processes
• Map the PMO organisation
• Engage and communicate
• Document and communicate monthly PMO routines
• Prepare a PMO charter

Benefits of PMOs

• Centralised project data
• Better resource allocation
• Higher consistency in project management
• Increased accountability
• On-time/On-budget performance
• Improved productivity and return on investment

Management Aspects of PMOs

• Communication management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Reporting and metrics
• Resource management
  • Staff management
  • Vendor management
  • Asset procurement and management
• Change management
  • Scope management
  • Risk and issue management
  • Training and development management
• Execution management
  • Critical path management
  • Financial management

Challenges of PMOs

• New process implementation
• Staff capability enhancement
• Project scope and sponsorship changes
• Resource issues
• Benefit measurement and realisation
• Organisation misalignment

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training methodology combines lectures, discussions, group exercises and illustrations. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of the topics and as a result participant will go back to the workplace with both the ability and the confidence to apply the techniques learned to their duties.