Postscript for the Smaller PMO

A primary objective for the smaller PMO is to ensure that adequate and appropriate project planning is routinely accomplished by all project teams for all projects. The project work plan and various project adjunct or support plans comprise the project plan. The most efficient approach is to direct the PMO's initial attention to the project work plan because it contains the essential planning elements needed to effectively guide project management:

• Project definition (scope, objectives, etc.)

• Project WBS (specification of project work tasks)

• Project management key elements

  • Cost (budget)

  • Schedule (work task durations and dependencies)

  • Resource utilization (staffing plan)

• Project risk examination

The development and implementation of a standard and repeatable project work plan preparation process is something the PMO should pursue in conjunction with its project management methodology development efforts. The PMO also can address preparation of adjunct or support-plan guidance in association with methodology development or as required by the needs of the relevant organization and specified PMO responsibilities. However, adjunct or support-plan guidance is generally prepared after development of the work plan process is completed.

In association with deploying an effective approach to project work plan development, the smaller PMO also can contribute insight and expertise in the identification and use of automated software application tools that facilitate project work plan development and use. In many cases, tools currently found in the project management environment can be configured for use in project planning activities.