Chapter 15.10: Project office and project management office

Question 1

What are the two meanings of “project office”?

Answer 1

A support staff group assisting the project manager

A physical location where the project team meets and works

Question 2

What is the role of the project office?

Answer 2

To coordinate work efforts, advise functional areas on what to do (not how), and support planning, directing, and controlling of project activities.

Question 3

What is the project management office (PMO)?

Answer 3

A support office responsible for developing project policies, offering training, and providing services to project managers—especially in multi-project environments.

Question 4

What are the functions of a project office in large projects?

Answer 4

Prepares WBS, schedules, and budgets

Monitors progress

Forecasts trends

Updates plans

Coordinates reports to stakeholders

Question 5

Who are typically part of the project office team?

Answer 5

Project engineers, systems engineers, contract administrators, project controllers, and functional representatives (e.g., purchasing, accounting, design).

Question 6

What is configuration management in a project office?

Answer 6

It involves identifying, documenting, and controlling changes to system or product specifications and requirements.

Question 7

What are functional representatives, and what do they do in the project office?

Answer 7

Specialists from different departments who coordinate their disciplines to integrate project work with functional responsibilities.

Question 8

What is the office of projects in a multi-project environment?

Answer 8

A high-level unit (not to be confused with the project office) that manages and coordinates shared services across multiple projects.

Question 9

What is a program office?

Answer 9

An office that oversees related projects within a program, ensuring coordination and alignment with strategic goals.