What is PMO?
Preparing and supporting your organisation on its journey
What Is PMO?
A PMO is a Portfolio, Programme or Project Management Office. The “P” is interchangeable, depending on the level of change.
Levels of Change:
Portfolio
A Portfolio of Change is a collection of programmes, projects, and other initiatives managed together to achieve strategic objectives. It oversees the strategic change needed to set the organisation on course to achieve its long-term vision.
Programme
A programme is a group of related projects managed together to achieve broader, long-term goals. It often brings significant or transformational change and ensures all projects are aligned and working toward a common vision.
Project
A project is a temporary effort carried out to achieve a specific goal, such as creating a unique product, service, or result. It has a clear beginning and end, defined objectives, and follows a planned timeline.
PMOs sit at the centre of Portfolios, Programmes, and Projects, overseeing progress, supporting delivery, and coordinating activity. The specific responsibilities of a PMO vary depending on the level at which it operates. At its highest level, a Portfolio Management Office sets the standards for programmes and projects, oversees the change landscape, and coordinates programme and project resources.
A PMO can be a dedicated team within an organisation or a single person assigned to support a specific project.
PMOs are also known by other names, depending on the organisation and context, including:
- Delivery Office
- Transformation Office
- Programme/Project Support Office (PSO)
- Change Management Office
- Strategic Delivery Office
- Centre of Excellence
Think of it as the Air Traffic Control of Projects and Change.
If you’d like to know more, get in touch.