PMO Types (Supportive, Controlling, Directive)
PMI identifies three PMO types based on the degree of control they exercise: supportive (advisory role with templates and best practices), controlling (requires compliance with specific frameworks and methodologies), and directive (directly manages projects with assigned project managers).
Explanation
A Supportive PMO provides a consultative role, offering templates, training, lessons learned, and best practices to project managers. It has the lowest degree of control and serves as a repository of project management knowledge. Project managers are free to adopt or ignore the PMO's guidance. This type suits organizations with mature project managers who need resources rather than oversight.
A Controlling PMO requires compliance with specific governance standards, methodologies, templates, and tools. It may conduct audits and reviews to ensure adherence. Project managers retain authority over their projects but must operate within the PMO's framework. This type suits organizations that need consistency across projects without centralizing project execution.
A Directive PMO takes direct control of projects by assigning and managing project managers as its own staff. It has the highest degree of control and is responsible for project outcomes. This type suits organizations that want centralized project management expertise and consistent execution standards. The project managers report to the PMO director rather than to functional or business unit leaders.
Key Points
- •Supportive: advisory role, provides templates and best practices, lowest control
- •Controlling: requires methodology compliance and governance adherence, moderate control
- •Directive: directly manages projects and assigns PMs, highest control
- •PMO type should match organizational maturity and project management needs
Exam Tip
Exam questions about PMO types hinge on the degree of control. Supportive = consultative/optional, Controlling = compliance required but PM runs the project, Directive = PMO runs the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Project Governance
Project governance is the framework of authority, accountability, policies, and decision-making processes that guide a project from initiation through closure, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and stakeholder expectations.
Governance Framework
A governance framework is the structured set of policies, procedures, standards, roles, and responsibilities that an organization establishes to direct and control its projects, programs, and portfolios.
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs)
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) are conditions, not under the immediate control of the project team, that influence, constrain, or direct the project.
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