Explore the PMO Types from PMO Certification

PMO certification is globally recognized and endorsed by reputable organizations. Achieving certification validates your proficiency in project management, enhancing your professional credibility.

Project Management Offices (PMOs) are a critical part of project management practice streamlining and ensuring that organizational goals are aligned with project objectives. PMO Professional certification delves into the various types of PMOs and equips professionals with the knowledge to implement them effectively. Below, we will explore the three primary types of PMOs—Directive PMOs, Supportive PMOs, and Controlling PMO in detail:

1. Directive PMOs

Directive PMOs are known to be authoritative and hands-on in managing projects within an organization. They oversee the direct handling of projects, ensure stringent adherence to processes, and deliver results in line with organizational goals.

Key Characteristics:

Ownership of Projects: Directive PMOs take ownership of all projects and manage them from inception to completion.

Centralized Structure: All the activities, resources, and processes related to projects fall under the centralized structure of the PMO.

Tight Governance: They ensure uniformity in standards, methodologies, and best practices for all projects.

Professional Experts: Highly qualified and certified project managers work under this type of PMO, and the best results are guaranteed.

Benefits:

- Provides uniform project delivery that aligns with business strategies.

- The risk of deviation in processes or project outcomes is minimized.

- Suitable for organizations that need uniformity in all projects.

2. Facilitative PMOs

Facilitative PMOs are the support hubs that guide, enable project teams by providing the right tools and templates along with training, and empower the project team to successfully execute the projects. There is no strict control or direct intervention by such a PMO.

Characteristics:

Advisory: They advise, document, and make available resources for the project team as needed.

Flexibility: Supportive PMOs have nothing much against leaving managers and teams to their wills.

Knowledge Sharing: They promote collaboration and also sharing best practices within an organization.

Minimum Control: They have to do very little in implementing projects and instead act more like consultants or mentors

Advantages:

- Team autonomy and innovations are promoted.

- Low Cost, compared to other types of PMO.

- It supports organizations with a strong already existing culture of project management.

3. Controlling PMOs

Controlling PMOs are balanced between a Directive and Supportive one. They have authority on project management practices but with some degree of independence with the team. Controlling PMOs ensure organizational standards will be followed without over control of projects.

Characteristics:

Policy Compliance: Controlling PMOs establish and enforce project governance frameworks, templates, and processes.

Compliance Monitoring: They check that every project is carried out in adherence to standardized procedures and methodologies.

Moderate Control: Though they don't directly control projects, they monitor how projects adhere to the organization's set goals.

Reporting and Metrics: They monitor progress and provide insight through reporting and dashboards.

Advantages:

- Control with flexibility so that governance does not smother creativity.

- Reduces risks through compliance to standards.

- Uniformity in project management across teams. Example Scenarios:

- Organizations transitioning to enhance their governance practices of projects but remaining flexible in execution.

PMO certification arms professionals with the knowledge required to:

- Evaluate which type of PMO best addresses an organization's needs

- Implement frameworks and best practices for Directive, Supportive, or Controlling PMOs

- Be aware of the specific challenges and benefits of each PMO type.

- Tailor PMO types to the industry, organizational size, and project complexity.

With an understanding of the differences between these PMO types, certified professionals can ensure efficiency, enhance project outcomes, and align project management practices with strategic objectives.