ESTABLISHING THE PROGRAM OFFICE
(Now available on GSA. GS-02F-0046P)

Focus: This workshop is designed to accelerate the establishment of a Program/Project Management Office (PMO) in the context of the organization's actual project/program situation. Consultant/instructors experienced in the management of complex projects and supporting PMO's will first meet with most or all individuals with responsibility for large-scale and/or multiple project efforts, and with selected executive management.

Module Duration: Total preparation, delivery and follow up typically 6-8 days.

Number of Participants: To be agreed; typically 6-10, with a maximum of 12.

Attendee Profile: After the initial interviews are conducted, a 1 and half to 2 day workshop will be held for senior managers who are responsible for multiple projects, and will typically include selected senior-level project managers. Selected executive managers will typically attend for introductions and for final presentations on Day Two.

Course Topics: The course content is normally finalized between the consultant/instructors and the client after the interviews are conducted and synthesized. The course is weighted toward hands-on work with the client's actual programs, projects and organization.

Learning Objectives: Participants will address the following –

•  The role of the PMO – best practice and client-specific needs
•  The structure of the PMO – actual and ‘virtual' PMO's and hybrids
•  Roles and responsibilities in the PMO, including
•  Tools and technologies
•  Knowledge management in the context of repeatable projects
•  Resource management/sharing;
•  Cross-skilling – skills development; HR issues in a program/project context
•  Cross project coordination; agreed project software application and use
•  Enterprise Architecture and/or Statement of Desired Capability
•  Integration – cross platform – system to system
•  The politics of PMO's – some carrots and sticks
•  An action plan for implementing the PMO
•  Informal/less structured beginnings; Formal structures
•  Pitfalls and opportunities