PMO | Project on Boarding

​The Project Management Office (PMO) defines and controls project management, program management, portfolio management, and change management processes. The primary function of PMO is standardizing management structure (project management standard and portfolio management standard) and disciplining execution to improve operational efficiency and mitigate risks. ​ Defining the PMO project management engagement model has proven successful in setting the right expectations and avoiding conflicts. ​ ​

In practice, we recommend at least three PMO engagement models.

Supportive (20% Engagement):  PMO defines procedures and standards and recommends methodologies and tools based on the research and analysis of the business. In this model, a PMO service is like a consulting service that designs solutions and provides professional suggestions to business users. PMO can invest time in delivering project management training sessions and materials but will not engage beyond this. We describe this as a 20% engagement model. ​

Controlling (60% Engagement): PMO controls the project execution, defining who, how, and how often to govern the project management process. PMO provides project management oversight and ensures that the project team follows the standard procedures and best practices. The typical controlling methods include scorecards, weekly review meetings, or project reports. PMO service is an operational governance service in this mode, but not it doesn't involve daily project management activities. We describe this as a 60% engagement model. 

Directive (100% Engagement): PMO takes ownership and holds accountable for project management. Project-related planning, execution, and issue resolution are all handled by project managers from the PMO office. We describe this as a 100% engagement model. ​

The best practice is to discuss choosing the engagement model at the beginning of PMO engagement with your business partner. If they are unsure, you can always start with a supportive model and adjust to deeper engagement models later. ​

Editor's Note: Because of cultures, people, and operational environment differences, PMO engagement can't be the same across all the business units. Instead, be prepared to be flexible in defining the PMO function to avoid rejections or resistances.