A Framework for Describing Project Management Office (PMO) Functions and Types

This white paper presents a framework to identify and clarify the different functions and roles that may be performed by a Project Management Office (PMO). It is intended to help organizations determine the type and function of PMO that would best serve their needs.

Project Management (PM) includes several functions that are traditionally performed by the Project Manager. As an organization takes on more and larger projects, it may be economically beneficial to establish a PMO to perform certain of these functions. However, there is a huge variety of PMO structures, functions, and mandates to choose as a role model. The challenge is to decide which PM functions should be assigned to the PMO.

The framework for PMO types is built on findings from a PMI research program published in 2007 by Dr. Brian Hobbs of the University of Québec at Montréal Canada. It has been extended and expanded to include direct Management of Projects as well as management of single projects. In addition, some functions that were not covered by the survey are included in the framework.

The presentation of this paper at Deltek Insight 2010 can be found here.