Project Management

Project Management Office: Design, Governance and Performance

This course equips professionals with the skills to design, govern, and enhance the performance of a Project Management Office (PMO). Participants will learn practical frameworks and tools to align PMO functions with organisational strategy and improve project delivery outcomes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Establishing an effective Project Management Office (PMO) is crucial for organisations aiming to streamline project governance and enhance performance. Many PMOs struggle with unclear roles, ineffective governance structures, and misalignment with strategic objectives, leading to project failures and wasted resources. This course addresses these challenges by providing participants with the knowledge to design a PMO that meets organisational needs, implement robust governance frameworks, and improve project outcomes through effective performance measurement and stakeholder engagement. Participants will also learn to navigate the complexities of project prioritisation, resource allocation, and risk management, ensuring their PMO can adapt to changing business environments and deliver value consistently.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world PMO scenarios, allowing them to develop capabilities in governance frameworks, performance metrics, and stakeholder engagement. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to make informed decisions regarding PMO structure, processes, and performance evaluation, ensuring their PMO becomes a valuable asset in achieving strategic goals. They will also learn to justify their PMO initiatives to senior management and align project delivery with organisational objectives. This hands-on approach fosters a deep understanding of the PMO's role in driving project success and organisational effectiveness.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Inconsistent project governance across a portfolio.
Unclear PMO responsibilities and service priorities.
Reporting that provides limited insight into delivery performance.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and group discussions to facilitate learning. Participants will work on real-world scenarios to design PMO structures, develop governance frameworks, and create performance measurement tools. Each session culminates in practical outputs, such as governance models and performance dashboards, that participants can apply in their own organisations. Simulations will be used to reinforce learning, enabling participants to practice stakeholder engagement and decision-making in a controlled environment. This approach ensures that participants leave with actionable skills and tools relevant to their PMO roles, ready to implement what they have learned in their workplaces.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Design a tailored PMO structure that aligns with organisational strategy and project needs.
Assess governance frameworks to ensure effective project oversight and compliance.
Evaluate performance metrics to measure PMO effectiveness and project success.
Construct a stakeholder engagement plan to enhance PMO communication and collaboration.
Justify the selection of project management methodologies for PMO implementation based on project types.
Analyse case studies to identify best practices in PMO governance and performance management.
Prioritise PMO initiatives based on organisational needs and project demands for strategic alignment.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project Managers seeking to enhance PMO effectiveness and governance.
PMO Directors responsible for governance, performance, and strategic alignment.
Business Analysts involved in project delivery processes and stakeholder engagement.
Senior Management overseeing project strategy alignment and PMO contributions.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Developing governance frameworks for PMOs that ensure compliance and oversight.
Implementing performance measurement systems that track project outcomes effectively.
Facilitating stakeholder engagement in project management to enhance collaboration.
Aligning PMO functions with strategic objectives to drive organisational success.
Analysing project performance data for informed decision-making and improvements.
Designing PMO structures tailored to organisational needs and project types.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Foundations of PMO Design

Applied activity: Participants will assess their organisation's current project management landscape and identify gaps that a PMO could address. They will then outline a proposed PMO structure based on their findings, considering stakeholder needs, strategic alignment, and potential resource constraints.

Output: A draft PMO structure proposal that includes roles, responsibilities, and objectives tailored to the organisation.

09:00–09:54Defining the role and purpose of a PMO in organisations and project environments.
09:54–10:48Exploring different PMO models, including supportive, controlling, and directive types.
10:48–11:00Identifying key stakeholders and their expectations for PMO performance and governance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying key stakeholders and their expectations for PMO performance and governance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Assessing organisational readiness for PMO implementation through maturity assessments.
13:06–14:00Establishing PMO objectives aligned with business strategy and project goals.

Day 2Governance Frameworks for PMOs

Applied activity: Using a fictional organisation, participants will create a governance framework for the PMO, detailing roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. They will also identify potential risks and mitigation strategies, ensuring robust governance that supports project success.

Output: A comprehensive PMO governance framework document that outlines governance structures and processes.

09:00–09:54Understanding governance principles in project management, including accountability and transparency.
09:54–10:48Designing governance structures for effective oversight, including roles and responsibilities.
10:48–11:00Establishing decision-making processes within the PMO to enhance efficiency.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Establishing decision-making processes within the PMO to enhance efficiency. (continued)
12:12–13:06Creating a risk management framework for project governance and compliance.
13:06–14:00Developing compliance and reporting standards for the PMO to ensure alignment with organisational policies.

Day 3Performance Measurement and Metrics

Applied activity: Participants will create a performance dashboard for a fictional PMO, selecting appropriate KPIs and visualisation methods to track progress. They will present their dashboard to peers for feedback, ensuring it meets stakeholder needs and expectations.

Output: A performance dashboard prototype with selected KPIs and visualisation methods for tracking PMO performance.

09:00–09:54Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) for PMOs that reflect project success and value delivery.
09:54–10:48Developing a performance measurement system for project outcomes, including qualitative and quantitative metrics.
10:48–11:00Utilising dashboards for performance tracking and reporting to stakeholders.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising dashboards for performance tracking and reporting to stakeholders. (continued)
12:12–13:06Analysing performance data to drive improvements in project delivery and PMO effectiveness.
13:06–14:00Benchmarking PMO performance against industry standards to identify areas for enhancement.

Day 4Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Applied activity: Participants will develop a stakeholder engagement plan for their PMO, including communication strategies and engagement activities tailored to different stakeholder groups. They will role-play stakeholder interactions to practice their engagement skills, ensuring effective communication.

Output: A stakeholder engagement plan outlining strategies, activities, and communication methods.

09:00–09:54Mapping stakeholders and understanding their influence on project outcomes and PMO success.
09:54–10:48Developing a stakeholder engagement strategy for the PMO that addresses communication needs.
10:48–11:00Creating communication plans to enhance PMO visibility and stakeholder involvement.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Creating communication plans to enhance PMO visibility and stakeholder involvement. (continued)
12:12–13:06Facilitating stakeholder workshops for feedback and input on PMO initiatives.
13:06–14:00Managing stakeholder expectations throughout project lifecycles to ensure alignment.

Day 5Integrated PMO Application

Applied activity: In groups, participants will present a comprehensive PMO proposal that integrates design, governance, and performance strategies, addressing a fictional organisation's needs and securing stakeholder support. They will incorporate feedback from peers to refine their proposals, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

Output: A detailed PMO proposal presentation with supporting documentation and a feedback summary.

09:00–09:54Synthesising PMO design, governance, and performance elements into a cohesive strategy.
09:54–10:48Applying frameworks to real-world PMO scenarios to address common challenges.
10:48–11:00Conducting a PMO maturity assessment for improvement and strategic alignment.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Conducting a PMO maturity assessment for improvement and strategic alignment. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing an action plan for PMO implementation and enhancement based on identified needs.
13:06–14:00Presenting PMO proposals to stakeholders for buy-in and support, incorporating feedback mechanisms.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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