The Complete Project Management Office Handbook, Second Edition (ESI International Project Management Series)

Overview

The PMO is responsible for ensuring that the preferred business practices of the relevant organization are properly conveyed for use within the project management environment. The "project governance" function provides the authority and guidance necessary to enable the PMO and other project stakeholders to pursue project management objectives in a manner that is consistent with business interests and operating standards. It also provides for the ongoing examination of how well authority and guidance are being applied within the project management environment, where the PMO serves the dual roles of examiner and examinee.

This "project governance" function enables the PMO to:

• Establish its authority to develop, implement, and manage project management practices and associated business interests within the relevant organization

• Introduce and apply organizational and business standards, policies, and directives within the project management environment

• Confer authority and responsibility for project performance to project managers

• Facilitate executive and senior management involvement in project management

• Convene management and technical advisory boards, councils, and committees to collaborate decisions and provide guidance relevant to the project environment

The PMO ensures that project management and PMO functions are conducted within accepted boundaries of established business practices and guidance. At the same time, it translates business requirements and develops methods for conducting business within the project management environment. Furthermore, it can also contribute project management practices to influence how business objectives are achieved outside the project management environment. This is the two-way nature of the PMO's "project governance" function.