The Consolidation of Project Management Offices – A Retrospective

  Estimating   Lessons Learned   PMO   Knowledge Shelf  

Abstract
This article describes a major change the Lower Colorado River Authority experienced and the project management approach used to fully execute the change—the consolidation of multiple project management offices (PMOs) into a single PMO. The team contributed lessons learned about what went well and what could have been performed better. The lessons learned revealed a number of considerations that apply to executing any major change. Additionally, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to having a single PMO separate from the business areas that hold the capital dollars for projects. Both are presented to validate the justification for the consolidation. In addition, risks for the newly consolidated PMO are identified to help focus efforts on areas needing attention moving forward.

Introduction
Change is inevitable in organizations today. Changes in leadership and stakeholders lead to the redefinition of what a successful project looks like. Through any major change, communication is the key to a smoother transition. Communications need to be well thought through and delivered, and should include the following: 1) Reasons for the change; 2) Goals and constraints for the change; 3) How the change process will be executed; and 4) How feedback will be requested, handled, and communicated during the change process. Also, seeking participation from the …

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