Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
PMOs can wear many hats. When a PMO is requested for an organization or project, how do you ensure that there are clear the specific roles and responsibilities they are expected to fulfill, to ensure that they are not referring to a Project Manager instead?" Saving Changes...
A lot depends on the mandate and scope of the services provided by the PMO. If the PMO is solely staffed with PMs who lead strategic projects then there is somewhat of an equivalency between the two with the PMO acting as a funding envelope for the PM labor costs. On the other hand, if the PMO is a hybrid of a PM-staffed PMO as well as a supporting/guiding type entity then there is less of an overlap.
Kiron
...
1 reply by Francisco Herrera
May 02, 2024 3:02 PM
Francisco Herrera
...
Thanks for the answer, Kiron. In this scenario, how can we clarify the differences to stakeholders that the PMO is the organizational unit and PMs are the individual contributors?
Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Hi Francisco,
Let me define the following terms for purposes of my response to your question:
[1] Project Management Organization – Structurally represents the whole of project professionals within an organization.
[2] Project Management Office – Directs and supports the project management organization.
[3] Steering Committee – Directs and supports an individual or group of projects.
Although these terms and their definition can change from organization to organization, the roles and responsibilities are best defined through a charter-like document for [2] and [3], assuming upper management has signed the charters.
George
...
1 reply by Francisco Herrera
May 02, 2024 3:04 PM
Francisco Herrera
...
Thanks for your answer, George. In this case, an organizational chart with a governance focus would be very helpful in explaining things to stakeholders. When I try to clarify things without it, they sometimes get upset!
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Francisco,
the person who wants a PMO should have some idea why, which problems to solve, and which improvements to make. He/she could be the sponsor. If someone else brings in the funding, involve them too.
Since the PMO will serve PMs, identify them, talk to them and select 2-3 as volunteer champions. If the PMO is to serve others too, e.g., the management team and finance department, understand who they are.
Survey them all to get a list of requirements. With the sponsor, prioritize them, select the top three, and develop a PMO charter/concept. Be aware that building PMO services and later running them needs different efforts and skills.
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Just to put this in the framework of PMI, this is an activity to be led by the business analyst. Inside the business analysis related books (PMI´s practice guide and body of knowledge) you will find a process called Needs Assessment with all you need on the matter.
...
1 reply by Francisco Herrera
May 14, 2024 8:20 PM
Francisco Herrera
...
Thank you Sergio Luis, I will give it a review, Regards!
Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
May 01, 2024 12:28 PM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
...
Francisco -
A lot depends on the mandate and scope of the services provided by the PMO. If the PMO is solely staffed with PMs who lead strategic projects then there is somewhat of an equivalency between the two with the PMO acting as a funding envelope for the PM labor costs. On the other hand, if the PMO is a hybrid of a PM-staffed PMO as well as a supporting/guiding type entity then there is less of an overlap.
Kiron
Thanks for the answer, Kiron. In this scenario, how can we clarify the differences to stakeholders that the PMO is the organizational unit and PMs are the individual contributors? Saving Changes...
Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
May 01, 2024 1:02 PM
Replying to George Freeman
...
Hi Francisco,
Let me define the following terms for purposes of my response to your question:
[1] Project Management Organization – Structurally represents the whole of project professionals within an organization.
[2] Project Management Office – Directs and supports the project management organization.
[3] Steering Committee – Directs and supports an individual or group of projects.
Although these terms and their definition can change from organization to organization, the roles and responsibilities are best defined through a charter-like document for [2] and [3], assuming upper management has signed the charters.
George
Thanks for your answer, George. In this case, an organizational chart with a governance focus would be very helpful in explaining things to stakeholders. When I try to clarify things without it, they sometimes get upset! Saving Changes...
Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
May 02, 2024 2:49 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
...
Francisco,
the person who wants a PMO should have some idea why, which problems to solve, and which improvements to make. He/she could be the sponsor. If someone else brings in the funding, involve them too.
Since the PMO will serve PMs, identify them, talk to them and select 2-3 as volunteer champions. If the PMO is to serve others too, e.g., the management team and finance department, understand who they are.
Survey them all to get a list of requirements. With the sponsor, prioritize them, select the top three, and develop a PMO charter/concept. Be aware that building PMO services and later running them needs different efforts and skills.
Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
May 02, 2024 5:28 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
Just to put this in the framework of PMI, this is an activity to be led by the business analyst. Inside the business analysis related books (PMI´s practice guide and body of knowledge) you will find a process called Needs Assessment with all you need on the matter.
Thank you Sergio Luis, I will give it a review, Regards! Saving Changes...
Michael BrowningDirector, Cybersecurity| Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, United States
Community Champion
