Ep3 PMO Learning Series Where PMOS report to

Summary

In this episode of the PMO Learning Series, Dr. Walker explores where Project Management Offices (PMOs) report within an organization, emphasizing that it varies based on organizational size, structure, and culture. PMOs can report to the CEO, CIO, or CFO, each with different focuses such as strategic planning, IT alignment, or financial planning. The episode covers key titles and responsibilities associated with each reporting line, including the Enterprise PMO, IT PMO, and Corporate Project Office. Future episodes will delve into specialized PMOs like Agile, Digital, and Virtual PMOs.

Takeaways

• 😀 PMOs can report to various C-level executives such as CEO, COO, CIO, or CFO, depending on the organization's structure.
• 😀 When a PMO reports to the CEO, it is often directly involved in the organization's strategy and operations, with responsibilities including portfolio management.
• 😀 PMOs reporting to the CEO may have titles such as Enterprise Project Management Office, Strategic Project Office, or Project Office.
• 😀 A PMO reporting to the CEO will be deeply integrated into both strategic and operational decision-making processes.
• 😀 PMOs reporting to the CIO are typically focused on IT strategy and portfolio management, with an emphasis on technology-related projects and operations.
• 😀 IT PMOs may function as the primary PMO in smaller organizations, or coexist with other PMOs in larger organizations depending on the scope of IT within the company.
• 😀 When PMOs report to the CFO, they focus more on financial planning, benefit realization, and ensuring that projects align with the financial strategy of the organization.
• 😀 Titles for the head of a PMO can vary, including VP of PMO, Senior Director, or Chief Project Officer, depending on the reporting structure and seniority within the organization.
• 😀 PMOs may also exist within different specialized domains like Agile PMOs, Digital PMOs, and Virtual PMOs, which will be discussed in future learning series episodes.
• 😀 The hierarchy and structure of the PMO depend on the size, complexity, and culture of the organization, with some organizations having a flat structure and others a more layered one.

Q & A

What is the primary objective of the Global PMO Solutions Learning Series?

The primary objective of the series is to help educate and share knowledge in various business areas, including PMO, project program portfolio, change management, and much more.

What will Episode 3 of the Learning Series focus on?

Episode 3 will focus on the question 'Where do PMOs report to?', discussing the different individuals or offices PMOs may report to within an organization.

What are the main individuals or roles PMOs can report to in an organization?

PMOs can report to the CEO, COO, CIO, or CFO, depending on the organization's size, structure, and culture.

What is the significance of a PMO reporting directly to the CEO?

When a PMO reports directly to the CEO, it is involved in the organization's strategy process, contributing to the planning and execution of the organizational strategy. The PMO plays a strategic role and often has portfolio management responsibilities.

What titles can the head of a PMO have when reporting to the CEO?

The head of the PMO may have titles such as Chief Project Officer, Chief Governance Officer, Senior Vice President, or Executive Vice President.

What role does a PMO play when reporting to a CIO?

When reporting to a CIO, the PMO is typically involved in the organization's IT strategy. It may be strategic and tactical, often focusing on IT portfolio management, but not necessarily the entire organizational portfolio.

How does the size and structure of an organization affect the role of a PMO reporting to a CIO?

In smaller organizations, the IT PMO may be the primary PMO, while in larger organizations, the IT PMO may coexist with other PMOs. The organization’s IT structure, whether centralized or decentralized, also influences the PMO’s scope and focus.

What are the possible titles for the head of a PMO reporting to a CIO?

The head of the PMO reporting to a CIO may have titles such as Vice President of IT PMO or Director of IT Delivery, depending on the organization's size and structure.

What is the role of a PMO when reporting to a CFO?

A PMO reporting to a CFO focuses on financial planning, benefit realization, and portfolio management. It may be involved in both strategic and operational aspects of the organization’s financial goals.

What titles might the head of a PMO have when reporting to a CFO?

The head of the PMO reporting to a CFO may have titles such as Vice President of PMO, Senior Director of PMO, or Head of the Strategic Realization Office.

What additional PMO types will be explored in future series episodes?

Future episodes will explore various types of PMOs, such as Agile PMOs, Digital PMOs, Virtual PMOs, and COE (Center of Excellence).