The dos, don’ts and best practices of creating a PMO framework
Creating a PMO framework is paramount to building a successful and productive PMO in line with your organisation’s business strategy and overarching goals. So, here we’ll exploring the dos, don’ts and best practices of creating a PMO framework
Creating a PMO Framework
PMO frameworks should typically be broken up into 3 parts –
- The project lifecycle
- The project ‘control’ cycle
- Tools and templates to be used
We consider each part of the PMO lifecycle in the following sections:
The project lifecycle: this considers a number of project touch points – and therefore how the project will progress from beginning to end.
Consequently, the project lifecycle encompasses –
- Initiation – defining your project, outlining your project objectives and identifying any potential risks
- Planning – creating a detailed project roadmap with a list of tasks and responsibilities, in line with a specific deadline or set of deadlines
- Execution – getting the job done! Aligning team schedules, tasks and budgets with key deliverables
- Monitoring and reporting: a crucial element of project management, monitoring and reporting on key project metrics to and for key stakeholders
- Closure/completion – completing, analysing and feeding back on the tasks undertaken to successfully finish the project in question
The project control cycle: this involves, as the name suggests, monitoring and controlling the project; ensuring all tasks are being completed to time and to budget, all team members understand and are carrying out their responsibilities, and risks are being carefully monitored.
Tools and templates to be used: this describes any software or PMO tools required to complete the project at hand, such as reporting tools, risk management solutions, document templates, online communication tools and time tracking software.
The importance of following a PMO framework
Following a PMO framework provides a tried and tested, consistent and cohesive structure to any project management office; a template to the processes and expectations your PMO which, in turn, allows PMO Leaders and project teams to easily allocate and optimise resources.
Always align
When creating a PMO framework, you should always consider how your PMO will align with the organisational goals and strategies – failure to create a PMO based on the overarching business strategy will inevitably lead to an inefficient and ineffective project management office!
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