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The roadmap of PMO from tactical to strategic

By Kartik Nagarajan, Managing Director- Business Consulting and Global Business Services (Sales), Nexdigm,

Added 28 December 2023

Programme management strategies are breaking away from their hierarchical and rigid approach, and a new paradigm is taking shape that is more collaborative and involves all stakeholders in decision-making. This article explores the practices that underpin this new paradigm, shedding light on how it can unlock the full potential of projects and drive measurable business outcomes.

As a priority, projects are meticulously aligned to the strategic framework, their purpose intertwined with the fabric of the entire organisation. Additionally, projects are aligned with the specific organisational divisions that hold the potential for value creation, enabling the company to capitalise on its strengths and opportunities. This approach could be incorporated into all projects at various levels.

Lever 1: Success at the project level depends on various factors, including:

Utilising early warning signals as essential indicators to proactively mitigate risks.

• Possessing domain knowledge to ensure expertise and effectiveness in execution.

• Embracing adaptability as a foundational element for project flexibility.

• Implementing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track progress and make data-driven decisions.

• Cultivating a culture of innovation to foster continuous improvement and generate breakthrough ideas.

Lever 2: At the organisational level, success factors for a PMO include:

• Strategic selection and prioritisation of growth issues.

• Efficient allocation of resources towards projects that contribute to increased revenues.

• Focus on critical initiatives and the development of staff capabilities.

• Dedicated time allocation for strategic planning and evaluation of key issues

• Cultivation of a change-embracing culture

Leveraging these levers, an organisation can ultimately drive towards success. A result management office (RMO) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of project management endeavours. The RMO effectively aligns strategy and execution, demonstrating commitment to achieving tangible outcomes and maintaining seamless alignment. By harmoniously aligning projects with the strategic framework and organisational divisions, the RMO crafts comprehensive communication plans that highlight programme benefits and foster cohesive collaboration. Integration of technology, people, and processes promotes efficient collaboration as the standard, encouraging thriving innovation within the organisation. Embracing this result-driven approach sets the stage for organisational success, ensuring that projects are strategically aligned, communication flows seamlessly, and teams work cohesively towards a common goal.

In today's evolving business landscape, the transition from a tactical to a strategic mindset within a Project Management Office (PMO) is not just a progression but a necessity. As organisations increasingly emphasise a result-driven ideology, the strategic orientation of a PMO becomes the cornerstone of success. The shift from merely overseeing projects to actively influencing their outcomes exemplifies the PMO's evolving role. However, this transformation goes beyond the confines of conventional responsibilities. This new dimension underscores the vital importance of a symbiotic relationship between progress and guidance, signifying the true role of a modern PMO. As organisations seek a PMO that not only navigates the strategic landscape but also provides insightful direction, the evolution towards a holistic and results-oriented approach emerges as the defining hallmark of a successful PMO in today's business environment.