In a UK context, there are typically three main types of Project Management Offices (PMOs), each with distinct characteristics and roles:
Supportive PMO:
Role: A supportive PMO provides a consultative and advisory role to project managers and teams within the organization. It offers best practices, templates, and guidance to help improve project management processes.
Focus: This type of PMO is primarily focused on providing support, training, and knowledge sharing to enhance project management capabilities across the organization.
Characteristics: It is often seen as a centre for expertise and assists in ensuring that projects adhere to established standards and guidelines.
Controlling PMO:
Role: A controlling PMO takes on a more active role in overseeing project management processes. It monitors project progress, ensures compliance with established methodologies and standards, and intervenes when necessary to keep projects on track.
Focus: This type of PMO emphasizes control and governance, with a focus on minimizing risks, managing resources, and maintaining project alignment with organizational goals.
Characteristics: It plays a pivotal role in project portfolio management, resource allocation, and risk management, and it may have the authority to make project-related decisions.
Directive PMO:
Role: A directive PMO assumes a high level of control and authority over project management within the organization. It directly manages projects, project managers, and resources.
Focus: This type of PMO actively manages projects from initiation to completion, making key decisions and taking responsibility for project outcomes.
Characteristics: It often has its own project managers and may even have the power to allocate resources, set priorities, and make strategic decisions on behalf of the organization.
These types of PMOs exist on a spectrum, with varying levels of control and involvement in project management activities. The choice of PMO type depends on an organization's specific needs, its maturity in project management, and the desired level of governance and control over projects. In the UK, organizations may establish PMOs to align with their unique business objectives and project management requirements.