A project management office requiring compliance with standards and procedures that have been adopted is best described as a form of PMO.
A Authoritative.
B Controlling.
C Directive.
D Supportive.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B Controlling.
A Controlling Project Management Office (PMO) requires compliance with specific standards, methodologies, and procedures that have been adopted by the organization. This type of PMO ensures that project teams follow established processes and governance frameworks. It does so by providing support and guidance but also by monitoring project compliance and enforcing adherence to organizational policies. When a project management office takes on this role, it acts as a regulatory body that helps maintain consistency and quality across projects.
In more detail, there are generally four common types of PMOs:
- Supportive PMO: This type provides consulting, templates, best practices, and training to project teams. It is typically used in organizations where projects are loosely controlled, and the PMO serves as a knowledge repository and facilitator. The Supportive PMO does not enforce compliance but assists teams as needed.
- Controlling PMO: This PMO not only provides support but also requires compliance with specific project management frameworks, methodologies, tools, or templates. It ensures projects are aligned with organizational standards by monitoring and reviewing projects, and it may require project audits or status reports. This type fits well in organizations that need a balance between guidance and control to maintain quality and consistency.
- Directive PMO: This PMO takes full control and directly manages projects by assigning project managers and resources. It has a strong authority level and responsibility for project success within the organization. The Directive PMO is involved hands-on in project execution.
- Authoritative PMO: This term is less commonly used in project management literature. If it appears, it typically implies a strong authoritative role, somewhat overlapping with the Directive PMO.
Since the question emphasizes requiring compliance with standards and procedures that have been adopted, the PMO type that best fits is the Controlling PMO. It combines support with enforcement, making sure projects follow the defined organizational standards to achieve consistent outcomes and improve project performance.