PMO - Programme Management Office Functions

Programme management office functions:
 

• Prioritisation of new projects: Organisations have limits and do not have finance or resources in place to run every project that comes along. Therefore guidelines and processes need to be in place to ensure that the organisation only takes on board projects that best fit their strategic objectives. The PMO puts a criteria in place to evaluate potential projects and give the projects with the greatest benefit the priority to move forward.

• Standardisation: A PMO puts a standard project management methodology in place to ensure that there is a consistent approach taken to ensure successful project results.

• Reviewing: A PMO is consistently reviewing ongoing projects to ensure they are meeting any baselines or standards set against it. By reviewing the ongoing projects the PMO can highlight any problems areas that would otherwise go unnoticed.

• Reporting: The PMO will generate consolidated programme progress and status reports with information sourced from the projects that make up the programme. These reports are distributed to senior management and as well as status and progress will often include on costs and benefits.

• Learn from mistakes: A PMO can hold “lessons learned” from previous projects so project managers can learn from past failures and also successes, and apply this knowledge to future projects.

• Resource and time allocation: A PMO monitors both resource demand and allocation to ensure that the right people are allocated to the right project and also that a sufficient amount of time is assigned to the project.

Overall having a PMO in an organization will provide a clear and consist process for all projects and programmes to follow through standard practice, methodology and keeping in line with the organisation’s goals.

Project Management

Some of mistakes MUST be avoided

Unrealistic deadlines

Failure to get executive buy-in
 i.e. have someone from upper-level management actually own the project

Scope changes

No system for approving or tracking project changes

Failure to manage risk

Poor communication and collaboration

Uninvolved stakeholders

Undefined goals and objectives

To Do WHEN project requirement Change

Keep your project requests separate from your scope requests

Implement a change approval process and keep a scope change log

Use online collaboration and communication  tools

 

Motivating Project Management Teams

Keeping your team focused and moving forward with your project is vital, but it can be hard to do. Motivation is the key here, and a lack of it can spell doom for any project.


Communicate - Good communication is vital for a number of things, including ensuring that your team members all understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as for providing encouragement and feedback throughout the duration of the project. Communication with team members and with stakeholders is of immense importance.

Educate Them

Offer Rewards

Be Informal

Foster Creativity - Let share ideas, brainstorm and try new things to see what works

Give Your Project a Reality Check

Does the Project have Sufficient Team Resources to Meet Deadlines?

Is the Project Budget Still on Target?

Has the Scope of the Project Changed?