Why does pmo fail

While these can be contributing factors, the core cause of PMO failure has little to do with the tools, processes, or the people. If that sounds hard to believe, consider the recent study by Forrester Research 2 outlining the 3 most significant PMO problems. In reality, PMOs fail because they do not demonstrate a measurable value-add to the business.

The classic warning signs of a PMO in trouble further support the idea that failure is directly linked to the perceived value of your project management office. There are several quick fixes that can help failing PMOs effectively turn things around.

Start by going back to the basics. However, it might also be a good idea, in general, to help project managers reject, or argue away, any changes. This depends heavily on the project management training specific to that particular company. It tends to be the responsibility of the PMO. To accomplish this, create a reporting system that enables you to detect any problems in a timely manner. Many parameters together or individually are needed to identify situations in which the project manager needs some assistance.

Ensure that the reporting system alerts you early enough to allow you, as the PMO, to step in and provide the necessary help. Project managers are individuals and differ as to their experience in dealing with problems. This alerts the PMO that:. As the PMO, you are responsible for ensuring that the status reports are current, accurate and plausible.

The project manager may have encountered problems right from the start, but decided, given the circumstances, that it would be easier to wait and not report these till the project was over. If the difficulties are detected early enough, the PMO has a greater chance of fixing the problems and avoiding project failure.

Ideally, you have established criteria to facilitate the decision to abort a project. In reality, however, the decision is easy for some types of projects and very difficult, if not impossible, for others.

If a project has great importance for the company, this might be one reason why it is not aborted despite fulfilling the criteria for doing so. There will always be exceptions. The same rule of thumb applies to criteria for aborting a project as to the criteria for initiating a project — easy to define criteria should be set down.

Your time is better spent monitoring the projects and asking questions to learn more about specific problems. In fact, the conclusion of these projects may come to be seen a necessary and ultimately meaningful.

Define measurable criteria. You now also understand the primary internal and external causes of project failure. Paying attention to the tips and success factors for projects outlined in this article should help you greatly minimize the risk of a project failing. What are your experiences with project failure?

What is your opinion on why projects fail. Let us know in the comment field shown below. We look forward to hearing from you. After many years as a development engineer in the automotive and energy sectors, Johann Strasser spent a decade as an independent trainer and consultant in the field of project management. During his tenure, he also served as project manager for software projects in the construction industry and provided scheduling and cost management support for large-scale construction projects.

At TPG, he applies his expertise in product development and consulting services for international clients. His special focus is on PMO , project portfolios, hybrid project management , and resource management. For many years now, he has shared his knowledge through presentations, seminars, articles, and webinars. These are useful tips for our government environment that has multiple small projects but does not have an established PMO.

You will learn more about: How do you identify a failed project? Please click here and select at least the marketing cookies. Then this form will be visible. Thanks a lot. August 6. July 0. For instance, mistrust can take over making it difficult for the office to obtain information and manage resources effectively.

Overall, a lack of visibility leads to the PMOs role being undermined and undervalued. Benefits tracking and management also enables PMOs to demonstrate value, which is the primary way a PMO can help to secure its longevity.

With the PMO taking a more strategic, enterprise-wide position in organisations, it is essential that PMO managers learn where their biggest challenges will be, both to avoid failure and forearm their organisations for the future.

Call us today on 70 13 14 and chat with an expert consultant about your PMO maturity plan. Daniel has a track record of delivering results for organisations tackling complex change, with experience across a variety of sectors, predominantly within technology. Daniel also works hand-in-hand with the business to support successful project execution. And as Gartner points out, backed up by many other industry statistics, there is not a lot of good news when it comes to how the PMO and Project teams are considered by the rest of the organization.

For many, this misalignment is caused through a lack of adequate tools, as well as the 4 fundamental pillars that drive program success — resources, money, deliverables and benefits. With the right knowledge and an effective game plan, and the right toolset your PPM and PMO strategy can make a huge difference.