IT at AtekPC

PMO was introduced to provide standardization in managing

IT projects.
Pre-PMO (2007) IT projects are managed by development
staff (Lead Analysts).
Used informal approach to projects = rapid response to user
requests.
Struggled with changing industry that required larger, more
complex projects involving multiple functional areas, which
was overtaxing current management methods.

To respond to the industry pressures, the senior executive

had supported the creation of a PMO within IT.

PMO Mission
Formal documentation and plans for PMO did not exist.
The purpose was to have consistent project practices.
Responsibilities limited to IT projects.
Two categories of duties
Project Focused (consulting, mentoring, and training)
Enterprise Oriented (portfolio management, PM
standards, methods, and tools)

Limitations
Shortage of PMO expert resources
Staff consisted of: PMO director + 3 contract project
managers.

PMO responsibilities
Establish, publish, and disseminate project
practices, standards and tools
Add Later Portfolio Management & Archiving
of projects for knowledge sharing

PMO Organization
2 Models:
PMO-Heavy: Full staff of project managers
responsible for all IT projects.
PMO-Light: Minimal staff of experts working
through internal project managers to perform
responsibilities of PMO.
Manufacturing Systems Manager (Gardner) wanted
to maintain control of projects and assign a Project
Manager from the PMO to follow his directions.
Heavy vs. Light created tensions.

METHODOLOGY
Steps for successful implementation
Senior executive buy in
Formal project chart
Assimilate PMO in to existing corporate culture
PMO light focus
Develop performance matrices
Establish PMO governance

RESULTS

Senior executive buy-in obtained

Developed formal profect charter
Increase size of PMO staff
Focused PMO-light
Culture Shift
Published performance metrics/successes
Increased PMO role and responsibilities
Expansion of PMO enterprise-wide

CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Implementation of PMO strategy in a balanced way to
fit corporate culture
PMO staff with combination of external/internal
employees
Adjust and modify as PMO implementation proceeds