AtekPC Reflection

The presentation by the consultants gave a better understanding on how we should implement the PMO. Although 75% of companies fail to succeed in PMO, the benefits outweigh the risk we are taking with PMO. If we first assess our company’s needs and resources we can create a clear vision of goals that can be achieved by PMO.

AtekPC’s previous informal approach to project management had no standardized practices, which prevented transparency across the organization. Our main obstacle in implementing PMO was transforming the organization culture. Employees are not adhering to the PMO objectives and there’s resistance in adopting this method.

The consultants suggested going from PMO light to eventually PMO heavy with no specific time frame for either phase. Although, I agree there should be a combination of both, I feel the PMO light phase should have a time frame set at about three years. This would allow for an assessment of the value added and also allowing gradual acceptance by the culture. This light phase will also help provide the visibility needed to cancel, or scale back unnecessary or less strategic projects. Employees need to be aware that the PMO heavy phase will be implemented at a specific time. In the PMO light phase resources can be efficiently allocated. The benefits gained throughout the PMO light phase will encourage managers to accept the changes and realize the efficiency created. Their teams will produce more effectively which will lead to high morale and dedicated staff. Incremental improvements will pave the way for cultural acceptance. The PMO light phase can be considered the set up and the PMO heavy phase can be considered as the operation.

Employees have a hard time changing their methods and way of managing projects, which is why top management needs to make it clear that PMO will be a permanent organizational change. The training suggested by the consultants will help achieve a structured plan and by providing mentors this encourage communication and alleviate concerns.

Establishing an effective PMO is not an easy task. Preparation and execution of a PMO is a factor of its success. It must be done with consideration to the cultural effect. When planning and building a PMO it is imperative that it is done in a mode that compliments the existing structure of the organization. AtekPC must have an optimal structure that is designed and based on its many considerations and variables. An effective PMO creates greater efficiency, as it will allow AtekPC to do more quality work with fewer resources and less risk. The result of these benefits will allow our organization to significantly improve its project success rate.