I've joined a team where our first objective will be to stand up a formal PMO. I'm looking for guideline and best practice reference material. Saving Changes...
Start by getting a charter pulled together and approved. Make sure all key stakeholders are on the same page as far as the mandate and scope of services provided by the PMO. Saving Changes...
A couple of important considerations:
* Executive sponsor
* define the problems the PMO will solve and what the benefit will be - what is the business value Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The material you need is not in the project management domain, is into the organization management theory. To have or not to have project/program/portfolio management functions/process are matter of strategy (they will be part of the strategy). When that is decided then is time to decide if a physical business unit deserves to be open (the PMO in this case) or not then the analysis has to be done as any other things on the matter. Usually, to put this in the jargon of the PMI, business analyst are in charge of it because this must be part inside the creation of a solution for a business problem. Saving Changes...
Bruce GeorgeChange Management ProfessionalSaratoga Springs, Ny, United States
As mentioned above start with the executive sponsor to be clear on what they think a PMO's role is. Role should be documented and shared with other stakeholders to get their input/reaction.
I would strongly recommend you use organizational change management principles and techniques as you are certain to encounter some major resistance. First reaction is normally that the PMO will just add tasks and paperwork to the process, slowing it down. You will need to educate folks on the value. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
There are many suggested ways to setup a PMO, here and elsewhere. Yet, PMOs average lifetime is 2 years, so many fail.
Ask yourself:
is the PMO going to solve a problem? - it is OK to dissolve once it is solved.
Or is it part of an organizational change? Become part of the structure and governance (that's what Sergio says)
Community Champion
