Survey to reveal PMO relevance

PM-Partners group today officially launched Australia’s first Project Management Office (PMO) Trend Survey to determine the depth of PMO maturity and relevance in Australian organisations.

Director of PM-Partners Pete Swan says the group decided to conduct the survey due to the lack of hard research showing how effective PMOs are at combining successful projects with business strategy, despite 80% of large organisations having or looking to host a PMO.

“A PMO used to essentially be responsible for methodology but now it’s required to manage supply and demand across the organisation,” said Swan. “PMOs come in many forms and use different names, sometimes to avoid the stigma of the process police, making it even more important to know where your PMO adds value.”

The survey will cover:

• The number, type and size of PMOs operated by organisations;
• The success of PMOs in improving project outcomes;
• The strategic value delivered by PMOs to organisations;
• Services offered by PMOs;
• Challenges faced by PMOs in meeting expectations; and
• The future capabilities required of PMOs.

Swan added that the survey could also lead to an appreciation of the role of the PMO that would save its function in leaner times.

“When times are tough, organisations cut back on quality-based disciplines like project management. Unfortunately, that is the worst time to start cutting corners even if it seems like an easy cost cutting target,” he noted.

According to the Deloitte Access Economics Investment Monitor, the value of projects in Australia rose more then 8% in the last quarter, beyond $830 billion. Swan said Australia is ripe for this research, considering the “multi-speed and highly volatile economy”.

“Now is not the time for complacency. Organisations continue to push for competitive advantage, so the PMO must change to maintain its relevance and value,” he said.

To take part in the survey, go to PM-Partners > 2011 PMO Trend Survey. Participants will receive a copy of the survey report, to be published in November 2011.

For more on PM-Partners group, see pm-partners.com.au.