Austin_W20_Project Management Organizations [PMOs] “Best Practices”

1.    Problem recognition, definition and evaluation

There are several types of PMOs in Project Management practice today. They can run the gamut of size, scope, and responsibilities. However, the ultimate task of any PMO is to sell, advertise, promote and encourage project management “Best Practices”. Hence, problem statement is to determine Project Management Organizations [PMOs] “Best Practices” for achieving and delivering excellence in Project Management.

2.    Development of the feasible alternatives

Possible range of PMOs in project management varying in size, scope and responsibilities include;

1.    Sole proprietorship or Librarian – This type of PMO is used for documentation purposes only. It normally consists of one or two project managers.  

 

2.    Partnership or Advisor - This type of PMO is generally made up of two to three professionals, and often includes consultants. They are responsible for creating an overall methodology for project management and standardized templates for project use.

 

3.    Corporation or Limited Liability– This type of PMO is made up of group of professionals and consultants, characterised by a separate legal personality from its members, either government-owned or privately owned. Generally, they are widely engaged in advocacy, setting professional standards, conducting research and providing access to information and resources for its members. They also  promote career and professional development and offer certification, networking and community involvement opportunities. Examples are AACE, PMI, IPMA, AIPM, INCOSE, PTMC etc.

 

4.    Cooperative or Partnership – Organizations that have embraced the PMO and see it as a true strategic partner for growth and instrument for meeting organizational strategic targets and reaping the benefits of their investments.

 

3.    Development of the outcomes and cash flows for each

 4.    Selection of the acceptable criteria

It takes time, practice and growth, both physically and mentally, for a PMO to attain a reputable status for delivering excellence in Project Management.

However, PMOs achieving and delivering excellence depends on acceptable criteria such as; Leadership Type, Human Resources, Financial Capability, Performance Records, Stake Holders, Service Deliverables, Quality Assurance  and Quality Control.

 5.  Analysis and Comparison of the alternatives

The Corporation type of PMO favorably meets selection criteria for achieving and delivering excellence in Project Management, compared to other range of PMOs in terms of size, scope and responsibilities.

6.    Selection of the preferred alternative

The Corporation type of PMO with the highest scoring attributes is therefore considered “Best Practice” for achieving and delivering excellence in Project Management.

7.    Performance Monitoring and Post Evaluation of Results

The Corporation type of PMO with the highest scoring attributes would therefore be recommended in future determination of “Best Practices” PMOs for achieving and delivering excellence in Project Management.

8.    References/Bibliography

 1.    Humphreys, G. C. (2011). Project Management Using Earned Value (2nd ed. Chap 30 P.519-527-Establishing The Performance Measurement (PMO-OBS-Case study). Humphreys & Associates, Inc. Retrieved from: http://www.humphreys-assoc.com/evms/project-management

2.    Project Management Organizations and Resources

List of leading project management organizations and resources for ... Use this list of the top U.S. and international project management organizations to access ...

http://consulting.about.com/od/consultingspecialties/tp/CF_PMOrganizations1007.htm

3.    Project Management NGOs Organizations:

http://consulting.about.com/z/js/o.htm

http://consulting.about.com/od/consultingspecialties/tp/CF_PMOrganizations1007.htm