Project Management Office Research Articles

Project Management Knowledge Flows in Networks of Project Managers and Project Management Offices: A Case Study in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This study investigates the knowledge flows among and between project managers and project management office (PMO) members in a pharmaceutical R&D company in China, using a mixed-methods approach. The results show that knowledge exchange happens in clusters, where each cluster forms around a PMO member. Contrary to expectations, PMO members were not identified as the most popular knowledge providers in these clusters; instead, knowledge was requested from earlier collaborators. A three-tiered model is developed for knowledge governance at the cluster level, across clusters and the link with corporate and project governance structures. Managerial and theoretical implications are discussed.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS RANKING

The ranking nuclear power plants safety improvement projects is the most important task for ensuring the efficiency of NPP project management office work. Total amount of projects in NPP portfolio may reach more than 400. Features of the nuclear power plants safety improvement projects ranking in NPP portfolio determine the choice of the decision verbal analysis as a method of decision-making, as it allows to quickly compare the number of alternatives that are not available at the time of constructing decisive rule, take into account qualitative criteria for the evaluation of projects, gradually establish the preferences of the decision maker. The model for ranking process, the system of assessment criteria and the scale of verbal assessments gradations of projects quality is presented. On the basis of specified criteria and scales the united ordinal scale of assessment and ranking of nuclear power plants safety improvement projects is developed. Further research should be directed at the improvement of the proposed system of criteria and scales for different types of nuclear power plants safety improvement projects.

Probing the Implementation of Project Management Office by Using DEMATEL with a Hybrid MCDM Model

Probing the Implementation of Project Management Office by Using DEMATEL with a Hybrid MCDM Model

Melhores práticas em implantação de escritório de gerenciamento de projeto: desenvolvimento de referenciais de sucesso

Apesar do reconhecimento do escritório de gerenciamento de projetos (EGP) como uma unidade de promoção da maturidade e para o alcance da eficácia em gerenciamento de projetos, sua implantação nas organizações muitas vezes não é bem sucedida. Este artigo objetiva analisar as melhores práticas em implantações de EGP que contribuem, de uma forma geral, para a otimização dos processos do negócio e dos resultados da organização. Através de uma revisão da literatura, propomos um conjunto de melhores práticas e os critérios para avaliação da eficácia na implantação de EGP. Com isto, realizou-se uma pesquisa de campo utilizando-se um questionário de pesquisa, onde foram levantadas as aplicações dessas melhores práticas e o sucesso dos EGPs para um determinado grupo de organizações. De posse desses dados, foram identificadas as melhores práticas mais aplicadas em implantação de EGP. Em seguida, foi realizada uma análise estatística que evidenciou 14 melhores práticas que comprovaram aumentar o sucesso na implantação do EGP.

Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in the Context of a Redevelopment Project in a Canadian Healthcare Organization

The recent introduction of a project management office (PMO) in a major healthcare center, led by a nurse, provides a unique opportunity to understand how a PMO facilitates successful implementation of evidence-based practices in care delivery. A case study with embedded units (individuals, projects, and organization). In this study, the case is operationally defined as the PMO deployed in a Canadian healthcare center. The sources of evidence used in this study were diverse. They consisted of 38 individual interviews, internal documents, and administrative data. The data were collected from March 2009 to November 2011. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. PMO experts help improve practices, and the patients thus receive safer and better quality care. Several participants point out that they could not make the changes without the PMO's support. They mention that they succeeded in changing their practices based on the evidence and acquired knowledge of change management with the PMO members that can be transferred to their practice. With the leadership of the nurse director of the PMO, members provide a range of expertise and fields in evidence-based change management, project management, and evaluation. PMO facilitates the implementation of clinical and organizational practices based on evidence to improve the quality and safety of care provided to patients.

Three-Dimensional Complex Construction Project Management Maturity Model: Case Study of 2010 Shanghai Expo

The increasing complexity of construction projects as a common trend has had a significant impact on management maturity assessment and improvement for the project participating units, especially for the owners’ Project Management Office (PMO). While most maturity models are rationalistic, this paper presents a practical complex construction project management maturity model based on project management three-dimensional perspective. Integrating Organizational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3) and Best Practices (BPs) derived from 2010 Shanghai Expo practice, this case-based maturity model is constituted by three sub-models: PBS Maturity, Process Maturity and Organization System Maturity. The model uses structured questionnaire consisting of BPs to implement assessment. The proportion of BPs achieved is considered as the maturity level of assessment objectives. Shanghai Expo AB Area is used to test the validity of the model. The result shows that owners’ PMO can assess and improve their project management maturity with the model effectively.

Book Review: The Virtual Project Management Office: Best Practices, Proven Methods

Book Review: The Virtual Project Management Office: Best Practices, Proven Methods

Contribuições de um Escritório de Gerenciamento de Projetos em Um Laboratório de P&D de Uma Universidade Pública

Os projetos de P&D desenvolvidos pelas universidades públicas carecem de uma estrutura formal voltada para o seu gerenciamento. A implantação de Escritórios de Gerenciamento de Projetos – EGP introduz uma cultura de projetos responsável pela gestão dos empreendimentos enquanto os pesquisadores se concentram nos aspectos técnicos e científicos. Neste contexto, este relato técnico tem por objetivo identificar as principais contribuições do EGP no gerenciamento dos projetos implementados por um laboratório de pesquisa em uma universidade pública brasileira. Utilizando a estratégia de estudo de caso, esta pesquisa conclui que o escritório desempenha, não só funções características da área de gerenciamento de projetos, mas também é responsável por garantir o atendimento a aspectos formais inerentes ao ambiente público de pesquisa.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i2.116

Information Technology Governance in Practice

This paper compares implementation frameworks for Information Technology (IT) governance and functions of a Project Management Office (PMO). While there are commonalities, the relational mechanisms called for in IT governance frameworks are omitted from the PMO functions. The authors provide a case study of a PMO at a large municipal government organization where relational mechanisms are incorporated into the risk assessment process through the use of a risk profile spider chart. Drawing conclusions from collaborative practice research, the authors discuss the use and relational aspects of the risk profile spider chart and show how this tool enables boundary spanning between the PMO and other departments by functioning as a boundary object-in-use, increasing the likelihood of buy-in for IT governance decisions. The authors conclude that the tool has potential both as a risk assessment mechanism and a boundary object for building collaboration and thus may be useful for PMOs at other organizations.

Book Review: Leading Successful PMOs: How to Build the Best Project Management Office for Your Business

Book Review: Leading Successful PMOs: How to Build the Best Project Management Office for Your Business

Unpacking the theory on ambidexterity: An illustrative case on the managerial architectures, mechanisms and dynamics

Research on ambidexterity has been focused primarily at the organisational level. There is little in the literature detailing ambidexterity in more complex forms of organising. While much is written on the ‘what’ of ambidexterity – its enactment has been shown to be beneficial – there is a gap in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, architectures and dynamics by which organisations can achieve both exploration and exploitation. In this article, we use the lens of intellectual capital to extend current architectural theory. A case study of a project management office in an IT/IS multinational provides the context in which to qualitatively unpack the underpinning intellectual capital architecture, illustrating the interwoven application of human, social and organisational capital in a complicated organisational setting. We reveal the co-existence and mutual interdependence of multiple intellectual capital and process elements, further explaining the ‘how’ of this increasingly important area of study.

Project management office a knowledge broker in project-based organisations

Current research into project management offices (PMOs) has stressed the PMOs' potential to act as knowledge brokers between projects, and between project and top management. Nonetheless, the literature does not provide sufficient evidence of the brokering role of PMOs. The research reported here aims to examine PMO's functions from a knowledge sharing perspective and explore whether or not these functions reflect the knowledge sharing needs of project managers (PMs). These issues are investigated through a cross-case analysis of seven organisations. The main contribution is insight into how PMs share knowledge and awareness of the need to structure PMOs to align with PMs' nature, needs and expectations in order to improve knowledge sharing in PBOs. Finally, some practical steps for helping PMOs to better adapt their functions to the needs of PMs and their learning and knowledge sharing style are proposed.

Outsourcing Operations in Project Management Offices: The Reality of Brazilian Companies

The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanisms that influence decisions regarding outsourcing competencies in the operation of project management offices (PMOs). The exploratory research described here involves the use of a web-based survey for enterprises in Brazil. In 78 of the survey's valid cases, the PMO is operated using the organization's internal resources. A possible conclusion is that the PMO is unlikely to positively relate to the culture of external services used by the organization and to use outsourcing to operate the PMO.

Project Management Office in Health Care

This article describes the contribution of a Transition Support Office (TSO) in a health care center in Canada to supporting changes in practice based on evidence and organizational performance in the early phase of a major organizational change. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 11 members of the TSO and 13 managers and clinicians from an ambulatory sector in the organization who received support from the TSO. The main themes addressed in the interviews were the description of the TSO, the context of implementation, and the impact. Using the Competing Value Framework by Quinn and Rohrbaugh [Public Product Rev. 1981;5(2):122-140], results revealed that the TSO is a source of expertise that facilitates innovation and implementation of change. It provides material support and human expertise for evidence-based projects. As a single organizational entity responsible for managing change, it gives a sense of cohesiveness. It also facilitates communication among human resources of the entire organization. The TSO is seen as an expertise provider that promotes competency development, training, and evidence-based practices. The impact of a TSO on change in practices and organizational performance in a health care system is discussed.

Information Technology Project Risk Management: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice

The gap between research and practice is strikingly evident in the area of information technology (IT) project risk management. In spite of extensive research for over 30 years into IT project risk factors resulting in normative guidance on IT project risk management, adoption of these risk management methods in practice is inconsistent. Managing risk in IT projects remains a key challenge for many organizations. We discuss barriers to the application of normative prescriptions, such as assessments of probability and impact of risk, and suggest a contingency approach, which addresses the uncertainties, complexities, and ambiguities of IT projects and enables early identification of high-risk projects. Specifically, in a case study, we examine how the project management office (PMO) at one organization has bridged the gap between research and practice, developing a contingency-based risk assessment process well founded on research knowledge of project dimensions related to project performance, while also being practical in its implementation. The PMO's risk assessment process, and the risk spider chart that is the primary tool in this assessment, has proven to be effective for surfacing inherent risk at the early stages of IT projects, thereby enabling the recommendation of appropriate management strategies. The PMO's project risk assessment process is a model for other organizations striving to engage in effective and collaborative practices in order to improve project outcomes. The case illustrates the importance of considering the practical constraints of the context of application in order to transform research findings into practices that promote attainment of desired outcomes.

The three roles of a project portfolio management office: Their impact on portfolio management execution and success

Project portfolio management offices (PPMOs) are a subset of project management offices (PMOs) that handle collections of multiple single projects and programmes, i.e. portfolios. PPMOs are centralised organisational units that cater to the demands of various stakeholders by performing specialised tasks. They are initiated by their organisation's leadership in response to increasing management challenges originating from project portfolios. Although there has been considerable research on PMOs in general, not only a clear understanding of multi-project PMOs' activity patterns set in specific contexts like project portfolio management, but also both existence and mode of multi-project PMOs' contribution to successful performance are still lacking. By quantitatively analysing PPMOs in 278 portfolios, we identify three different activity patterns, which are interpreted as distinctive roles. We show a significant positive effect of PPMOs' coordinating and controlling roles on performance in terms of project portfolio management quality, which is a predictor of portfolio success.

Project Management Offices in the IT Area: A Context–Discriminant Model for their Establishment

The authors of this study developed a conceptual model of the drivers behind the decision to create a project management office for the Information Technology area and tested the model by applying discriminant analysis to data gathered from 40 large companies. The results indicate that the discriminant model significantly differentiates the contexts of firms with and without IT project management offices. The study contributes to theoretical progress in the field and is useful to practitioners.

Large Scale Multimedia Production Management: from Strategic Planning to Six Sigma

Project portfolio management of large scale multimedia production emerges today as a challenge both for the enrichment of traditional classroom teaching and for distance education. Strategic planning of projects involves developing methodologies, reference models and processes while organising project management offices (PMOs) in the perspective of optimising the use of available resources in an organization. In this way, this paper presents a proposal of a project management model for digital content production for educational purposes named EduPMO, an abbreviation of “Educational Project Management Office”. The paper includes a discussion on how to pair Six Sigma with project management best practices as a way to improve processes. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The role of project management office in the multi-project environment

The number of projects run by companies has increased significantly over the last two decades. Therefore, apart from the challenges associated with single-project realisation, the multi-project environment created new issues that companies have needed to address. In the mid-90s of the last century, the concept of project management office (PMO) was proposed to support companies simultaneously managing numerous projects. This article discusses the role of PMO as a facilitator of the activities supporting operations in the multi-project environment. The results of the study of PMO cases are presented according to the needs addressed to them by companies.

PMO 기반 프로젝트 관리 시스템의 설계 및 적용

Recently, Information System (IS) development projects such as the next generation IS project of the financial business domain have shown tendency to become large and complex. Accordingly, a large number of enterprises have introduced a Project Management Office (PMO) to successfully manage multiple complex large-scaled projects. Many researches and empirical studies have proved the positive results of PMO-based projects. For example, most PMO-based projects have been accomplished successfully without exceeding the planned deadline and budget. However, even in the case of PMO-based projects, participants are still supported by legacy Project Management Systems (PMS) developed without considering the PMO. It implies that recent large projects are hardly performed efficiently because of the large gap between the legacy PMS tools developed only for single small projects and the real process of PMO-based project management. Therefore, we attempt to design and develop a PMO-based PMS in which the role and responsibility of PMO are completely implemented. To demonstrate our systems practicality, we applied the devised system to the real project management cases of "K" bank in The Republic of Korea. According to the results of case analysis, all of the four projects supported by our PMO-based PMS have been completed without exceeding planned deadline and budget, and the quality of their final outcome is appraised to be superior.