Challenges in the Project Office

Challenges in the Project Office 

In terms of influence, the general PMO has the greatest challenge, because there is the greatest gap between its outputs – the methodology, processes, and standards – and the desired result – an improved project success rate. The supportive and controlling PMOs operate in the middle of the influence spectrum. Their outputs – training and support, and guidance – specifically increase the ability of others to produce the desired outcome of project success. The Directive PMO has the least challenge, because, when it delivers a project successfully as it's output, that is one case of the desired outcome.

On the prior learning page, PMO Types, the idea of an organization having multiple PMOs was introduced. The benefits of this approach can now be explained more fully. The Supportive or Directive PMOs will help others to succeed on projects or seek to succeed themselves. The Controlling PMO helps improve project management from a different angle, with a different type of influence. It evaluates, provides feedback, and guides. Being independent of the management of projects, it can evaluate the actual work against the methodology and standards, and provide information that can be used to improve project management.