Question

We discussed project management governance structure. What value does the Program Management Office (PMO) provide?  List 5 items. What is the difference between the Steering Committee versus an Executive Committee?  (12 points)

Answer 1

Project governance provides basic framework for the project such as setting policies, procedures, processes, roles and responsibilities that helps to manage and control the projects or programs.

A Project Management Office (PMO) is a department or team that supports the project governance. PMO helps to standardize and streamline processes in executing projects or project management. The values provided by PMO are:

1. Consistency- PMO provides consistency in process improvements, terminologies and aligns expected returns with the actual.

2. Quality- PMO helps to provide products that are complete and that meets the client expectations through constant quality reviews and improvements.

3. Accountability- PMO offers clearly defines roles and responsibilities thus making team members to be held accountable for the delivery and realizing the benefits of the project.

4. Alignment- PMO helps to align the capability and resources and gives focus for the organization. The projects that align with the corporate strategies are provided high priority in initiating them.

5. Learning- PMO supports organizational learning that are used again as best practices and the risks or errors that can be avoided in the future. Knowledge sharing is encouraged between different departments and projects.

6. Creates transparency and visibility- PMO helps to create visibility and transparency of the projects through open unbiased and open audits and helps to understand a birds view of the progress of the projects.

Difference between steering committee and executive committee-

· Steering Committee- this committee consist of senior stakeholders who provide guidance to the company such as budget, policies, strategies and other project management issues. This committee actually act as an advisory board. This committee is part of project governance structure that has the primary role of managing the progress and controlling the projects performance to achieve the goals.

· Executive Committee- consist of senior executives as well as the board members. Usually, all the board members are invited to serve on this committee. In contrast to the steering committee, the board outlines the duties and responsibilities for the executive committee. Executive Committee acts as a liaison between the CEO and the board. Executive committee members provide directions and strategies for CEO and board members. Executive committee acts on behalf of the full board in emergency situations.

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