1.3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AS A STRATEGIC STRENGTH

It has not been enough for individual project managers, executives, and team members to learn and practice project management. Truly increasing the capability of the organization to deliver projects successfully requires the use of consistent processes and tools among projects. The organizational entity responsible for project management capability has become known as the Project Management Office (PMO). (Chapter 14 describes the many forms that PMOs take and their associated responsibilities.) PMOs are now commonly found throughout all levels of organizations. The investment in the PMO can be compared to the investment in the office of a CFO or controller—somebody must be responsible for building and maintaining the accounting infrastructure. Likewise, the PMO is responsible for the project management infrastructure.

The investment in staffing PMOs is one example of the degree to which firms consider project management a strategic strength. Could project management be a strategic strength for your organization?