Project Management Office (PMO)
DE: Projektmanagement-Buero (PMO)
An organizational structure that standardizes PM governance and practices.
Detailed Explanation
A PMO is a management structure that standardizes project-related governance processes and facilitates sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques across the organization. PMOs can be supportive (consultative), controlling (compliance-focused), or directive (directly managing projects).
Core PMO functions include: maintaining PM standards and templates, providing training and mentoring, managing a project portfolio dashboard, conducting project audits, facilitating lessons learned sharing, and providing resource management support.
The value of a PMO is often debated. When well-implemented, PMOs significantly improve project success rates, consistency, and organizational learning. When poorly implemented, they become bureaucratic bottlenecks. The key is balancing governance with agility.
Key Points
- Standardizes PM governance, processes, and tools
- Three types: Supportive, Controlling, Directive
- Maintains templates, standards, and best practices
- Provides training, mentoring, and resource support
- Manages portfolio dashboard and reporting
- Value depends on balancing governance with agility
Practical Example
A mid-size company establishes a PMO after several project failures. The PMO introduces: standardized project charter and status report templates, mandatory phase gate reviews, a centralized resource management tool, monthly PM community of practice meetings, and a lessons learned database. After 1 year, project success rate improves from 55% to 78%.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Start with a supportive PMO — earn trust before adding controls
Focus on enabling project success, not creating bureaucracy
Measure and report PMO value: project success rates, delivery predictability
Adapt PMO services to the organization's maturity level
Related Terms
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