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What is the difference between the role of PMO and Project Manager?

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Question added by Ramy Zakher , Executive director , EEP
Date Posted: 2014/01/17
Ramy Zakher
by Ramy Zakher , Executive director , EEP

The PM manager manages the constraints (scope, schedule, cost, quality, etc) of the individual projects, while the PMO manages the methodologies, standards, over all risks/opportunities, metrics, and interdependence among projects at the enterprice level.

Mohammad Tohamy Hussein Hussein
by Mohammad Tohamy Hussein Hussein , Chief Executive Officer & ERP Architect , Egyptian Software Group

They operate on different levels. PMs are accountable for achieving the goals approved for thier projects. PMOs are accountable for achiving the approved company goals.

Gaurav Khanna
by Gaurav Khanna , General Manager - Product , FCM travel solutions

Project managers and PMO although related to each other working are different in the overall goals they pursue .

PMO manages the major scope changes which can result in better opportunities for the organization while Project managers focus on the specified objectives. 

PMO manages the overall metrics, interdependencies of the project etc on the organizational level while project managers deal with scope, quality etc of a individual project

PMO ensures that shared resources are being optimized to the full level of their availability. While project manager controls the assigned resources.

 

Overall it is safe to say that PMO is dealing on organizational level while Project managers are working on a individual project level. 

Ahmed Saeed
by Ahmed Saeed , Supply Chain and Purchasing Manager , Tuff Gear Ltd.

Project managers and PMO's purse different objectives ans, as such, are driven by different requirements. all of these efforts are aligned with the strategic needs of the organization. Differences between the role of project managers and a PMO may include the following

- the PM focus on the specified project objectives, with the PMO manages major program scope changes, which may be seen as potential opportunities to better achieve business objectives.

- The PM controls the assigned project resources to best meet project objectives. While the PMO optimize the use of shared organisational resources across all projects.

-The PM manager manages the constraints (scope, schedule, cost, quality, etc) of the individual projects, while the PMO manages the methodologies, standards, over all risks/opportunities, metrics, and interdependence among projects at the enterprice level.

Marc Huddleston
by Marc Huddleston , Major Account Director , Harris Corporation

 

The PMO defines and maintains standards of project management within the organisation through the standardisation and the execution of repeatable and scalable processes. The PMO is also the source of documentation, guidance and metrics regarding the practice of project management and execution. Whereas the role of the PM is to adhere to the guidelines and practices standardised by the PMO during project planning, preparation, and execution.

 

Ramendra Sunder Sinha PMP
by Ramendra Sunder Sinha PMP , DGM Planning , Gaur Sons Limited

PMO can possess one of the following roles for one or more project(s) -

  -  Information provider (Data Bank)

  -  Training & Mentoring of Project(s) teams.

  -  Review, Monitoring & Control of Project(s) including Change Admiknistrator.

Project Manager's Role is limited to planning, execution, monitoring & control and closure of the project assigned to him in line with the target baselines to meet the objectives.

 

A PMO is over & above project(s) and the Project Manager may consult the PMO for assistance as & when required. The PMO can interfere and control the actions of the PM if required.

Hello,

The difference between PMO and Project Manager  role:

Project Manager

A project manager is a person who takes overall charge of the project including planning, execution, and managing resources and scope of the project i.e. end-to-end process.

The Need for Project Manager

A project manager is a person who owns the project and responsible for the same. That means, success or failure of the project is completely dependant on the Project Manager. In another way, we can say, a project manager is an experienced professional who plans, handles, and executes the project as well as processes, resources, and stakeholders.

Project Manager’s Skill Set –

A project manager must have a range of competencies:

Role of Project Manager’s:

 

  • Planning
  • Define the project objective
  • Obtain Client agreement
  • Gain the support of stakeholders
  • Develop a statement of work
  • Communicate a vision to the team
  • Communication
  • Develop a detailed plan
  • Set up a project management information system
  • Risk assessment and contingency plans
  • System Configuration

PMO

PMO stands for Project Management Office.

I have heard from many colleagues and seniors that PMO means ‘Project Management Officer’. But unfortunately, this definition nothing to do with PMO. Project Management Office is a concept that is used in Project Management. PMO is a group of professionals in the business who helps Project Managers in project management by monitoring and controlling the project.

PMO’s Skill Set –

A project manager must have a range of competencies:

Role of PMO

 

  • Gain the support of stakeholders
  • Communicate a vision to the team
  • Communication
  • Risk assessment and contingency plans
  • Allot resources to perform work
  • Motivating the teams
  • Maintain project documentation
  • Controlling and Monitor progress
  • Manage a change control process
  • Develop corrective actions when necessary
  • Leadership
  • People management (customers, suppliers, functional managers, and project team)
  • Effective communication (verbal and written)
  • Conflict management
  • Problem-solving
  • Creative thinking
  • Time management

If you're looking for a better career I personally suggest to go for project management office certification

If you are wondering where to begin this journey? Then you should check the , project management office professional certification

But you first check if the institute has goodwill in the market and if this certified pmo online is accepted globally or not. Check the review before applying.

From my experience I personally recommend to do certificates in project management office certification from the GSDC website online.

As I have one reference for a certification for pmo role which I found one course on google they provide certificates

The certification cost is also affordable here.

The pmo certification costs $400. This certification is from GSDC. You can check the syllabus on their official websites.

Cost : $400

Location: Online

The GSDC certification bodies provide pmo certifications online and it is valid and accepted globally.

GSDC's certification is aimed towards sharing a deep understanding of all the advanced and provide the best pmo certification

 

The purpose of GSDC project management office certification qualification is to confirm that a candidate has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the benefits of this certification.

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