Zero to PMO: A Working Framework for Implementing a PMO in 6 months or less

In 2015 the University of Lethbridge IT Services department identified the need to implement a Project Management Office (PMO) to address widespread scope change, schedule variation, and mismatched delivery versus stakeholder... [ view full abstract ]

In 2015 the University of Lethbridge IT Services department identified the need to implement a Project Management Office (PMO) to address widespread scope change, schedule variation, and mismatched delivery versus stakeholder expectations across the work queue.

This workshop will provide a step-by-step framework for implementing a PMO to address these sorts of issues based on the UofL model which has seen a PMO implemented since September 2015 overseeing a well-defined portfolio, cultural shift to formal project management, and proactive issue mitigation across the portfolio.

The workshop will include anecdotal experience from the presenter’s work implementing the UofL PMO, as well as past experience implementing PMO’s in the private sector. The workshop will provide hands on exercises and tools participants can take away to help assess their organization’s PPM Maturity, their cultural readiness for a PMO to be implemented, the organizational needs that can drive a PMO being value add, and a tactical roadmap for the first 3 months of an implementation targeted at building momentum, overcoming change hurdles, and driving stakeholder engagement.

The workshop will also identify issues encountered at each stage and specific strategies for overcoming challenges such as stakeholder disengagement, “shadow projects”, and cultural resistance.