Never Too Small for a PMO

Why is it that only large corporations have a PMO ? What is a PMO anyway?

PMO stands for Project Management Office. Typically, the PMO is responsible for setting standards and developing process for delivering projects. They are responsible for defining the project management methodology, including the tools to use, metrics to capture, and workflow steps to follow. They are also responsible for ensuring that project delivery is repeatable and of high quality across all projects and business units.

One key to a successful consulting practice is a repeatable delivery model. (See last week's post on the subject.) Another key is clear expectation setting and project management. Whether you are a large enterprise managing numerous, simultaneous, and large-scale projects or a small, boutique consulting firm, both of these 'keys' are critical and will benefit your practice.

Still, I have never run across a PMO in a small- or medium-sized business. Some SMBs claim (as I have in the past) that "our projects are too small to warrant the same project management diligence as a larger project." Others are moving too quickly to even think that there is a better way. Still, others know there is a better way but suspect that implementing a PMO will be a bit like changing the tires while the car is moving.

Sure, it is not necessarily feasible to hire a dedicated team of project management professionals who manage the process of managing projects and ensure consistency across all projects. It is feasible, though, for a smaller business to assign a small number of senior consultants to a task force responsible for developing project management standards, tools, and metrics and ensuring that all consultants who manage projects do so in a consistant manner.

You don't have to boil the ocean, either. Pick one of the five components of a project (see last week's post on repeatable Delivery Frameworks) and define the project management activities, tools, and metrics required (and those that are optional). Once everyone is following that process well, move on to the next stage in the project lifecycle.

Being smaller doesn't mean there is less to do. Having a repeatable project management process will improve your on-time/on-budget delivery, which will improve your profit margins, resource scheduling, and customer satisfaction.