What is pmo?

A Project Management Office (PMO) is a department or group within a business, government agency, or enterprise that defines and maintains standards for project management within the organization. The PMO strives to standardize and introduce economies of repetition in the execution of projects. A PMO is the source of documentation, guidance and metrics on the practice of project management and execution.

Key functions and aspects of a PMO include:

Different types of PMOs exist, each with a different level of authority and responsibility:

  • Supportive PMO: Provides support and guidance to project teams but has limited control over projects.
  • Controlling PMO: Provides support and guidance but also enforces compliance with project management standards.
  • Directive PMO: Manages projects directly and has the highest level of authority.

The specific role and responsibilities of a PMO will vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and strategic goals. However, the overall goal of a PMO is to improve project success rates and align projects with business objectives.