What is a PMO?

Definition

A project, programme or portfolio management office (PMO) is an organisational structure that provides support to projects. The PMO may be a project management office, programme management office or portfolio management office, depending on what is being supported.

Whether projects, programmes or portfolios are being supported, a PMO brings three main benefits to any project-based organisation: deployment support, process improvement and resource flexibility.

Definition from APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition

The different types of PMO

There are three typical ways that PMOs are organised and funded:

1. Embedded PMO: Where the majority of PMO functions are delivered under the control of the project/programme/portfolio manager, with only organisation-wide elements such as processes defined at a higher level. Effective on large projects that need lots of support and can justify the investment.
   
   
2. Central PMO: Where the majority of PMO functions sit outside of the teams, providing a service to multiple projects. Effective when there is a portfolio of small projects, where flexibility is valued more than management control.
   
   
3. Hub-and-spoke PMO: A hybrid form with a central enterprise or portfolio PMO linked to satellite PMOs within individual projects and/or programmes. Effective when there are clear roles and responsibilities between project managers and the PMO to ensure processes and information are managed effectively.

Different types of PMO
Source: APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition

The benefits of using a PMO

Whether projects, programmes or portfolios are being supported, a PMO brings three main benefits to any project-based organisation: deployment support, process improvement and resource flexibility.

PMOs can provide access to services that might never be justified for a single project, for example:

• Controls and reporting: Collecting, analysing and presenting progress information and managing interdependencies.
• Assurance: Audits, health checks and reviews to support decision gates and change control.
• Centre of excellence: Improving processes, tools and techniques; embedding through training and support; and measuring capabilities to review progress and target higher levels of maturity.
• Specialist support: Provision of specialist skills such as risk; quality, planning or finance resources as role models to other project professionals.
• Information management: Document management and access to information, tools and services.

Watch: Working effectively with the PMO

APM Learning

The following PMO learning modules are available on APM Learning. This is a member only resource.

• Information sheet - Project, programme or portfolio management office (PMO)
• Learning module - Working effectively with the PMO

Find out more about APM Learning

Setting up a PMO from scratch in a media agency

June 2023 🕑 29:04

Emma meets Dan Jennings, who recently established a project management office at the UK wing of global media agency Wavemaker.

APM PMO Interest Network

Project (programme or portfolio) management office (PMO). An organisational structure that provides support for projects, programmes and/or portfolios.

The APM PMO Interest Network provide a forum for PMO professionals to meet and discuss matters of mutual importance to to create knowledge to be shared across the PMO community.  We welcome membership from across the whole PPM community.

APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition

The APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams.