Making the Case for a Project Management Office
Every delivery leader would agree that consistent, standard, repeatable delivery execution is the goal of every organization. For Professional Services Organizations of any reasonable size, a PMO is essential to achieving this goal. Too often, however, organizations do not have one, have abandoned them or have not adequately structured and funded them to be effective. This is a missed opportunity to bring more value to your organization through more consistent project performance and execution.
There is unquestionable evidence on the impact a PMO has on two of the most important project measures, budget and schedule:
- 14% more projects overrun their planned budgets in organizations that do not have PMOs supporting their delivery – nearly one out of every six projects
- PSOs with a PMO had 12% more of their projects come in at or under schedule when supported by a PMO – a 24% improvement
The bottom line is this: if you do not have a PMO, create one. If you have an ineffective one, double down and make it better. This paper will help you first make the case for having a PMO, and second, provide guidance on how to get started on your path to an impactful PMO.