Tips for Multiple PMO model

Multiple PMO model for an organization that is becoming less diverse

Sometimes, an organization may have multiple PMOs, but may only be a temporary situation. For example, if two companies merge, and each already had a PMO, then there is now one organization with two PMOs. In this case, the two PMOs should develop an assessment process to determine which PMOs processes would be most beneficial to the entire organization. The PMOs can then build a plan to standardize all services, and a plan to merge the two PMOs into a single office.

A similar situation can arise if multiple divisions of a large, diverse organization independently realize the value of a PMO. Each division may have created their own PMO, but over time, the benefits of providing a common centralized PMO function may become evident, and the PMOs may be consolidated into one common function.

In this situation, the end result might be a single PMO. Or, if the organization is large, it might be appropriate to create multiple PMOs permanently, as described in the next section.

Multiple PMO model for a large organization

As we saw in the discussion of projects, programs, and portfolios, a large organization can benefit from having a Strategic PMO to manage its portfolio, several Program Management offices – one for each program, and one or more Project Management Offices to support and standardize project management.