A Project Management Office (PMO) is “a group or department within a business, agency or enterprise that defines and maintains standards for project management within the organisation. The PMO strives to standardise and introduce economies of repetition in the execution of projects.” (Association for Project Management)

You will need to determine which type of PMO you need to establish in order to have an effective project office! Here are the 3 types of PMO:

• Supportive PMO
  • A supportive PMO provides support as and when required. It collects and stores organisations’ data, supplies standard project templates and provides guidance. It acts in a consultative role and has a low level of control over the project.
• Controlling PMO
  • A controlling PMO does everything a supportive PMO does and offers guidance in managing projects. It uses specific methodologies and tools, offers training and enforce project management frameworks and templates. They have more control over the project.
• Directive PMO
  • A directive PMO will direct the project. It exercises a high level of control through managing projects and assignments and it is responsible for the results of those projects.