Certification of Project Managers
Comparison between Theory and Practice
When comparing the theory of PMO to how the PMO in Wärtsilä Power Plants functions in practice, we can see that there are many similarities. According to the PMBOK (A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) 2008:11), a primary function of a Project Management Office (PMO) is to support Project Managers in a variety of ways. In a large international company the PMO is an organizational body or unit assigned multiple tasks connected to the coordinated and centralized management of those projects under its field. PMO’s responsibilities can vary from offering project management support functions to really being in charge of the direct management of a project.
In Wärtsilä Power Plants, PMO is a support function and is directly in charge of the management of projects. In addition to developing project management methodology, improving work processes, and developing project management information systems to support project management processes, Project Managers are supported through Project Management competence development, training and professional certification. (Interview with Sami Myllyviita 7.3.2011)
In spite of that projects may differ broadly depending on their complexity, range and goals all successful PMOs feature three basic factors: the right processes, the right people and the right tools. (Visitask 2011). In accordance with the theory, the PMO in Wärtsilä Power Plants has carefully planned its activities according to three main functions, namely processes, people and tools. These are all interdependent, and together they lead to quality. (Interview with Sami Myllyviita 7.3.2011)
When comparing the theory of PMO to how the PMO in Wärtsilä Power Plants functions in practice, we can see that there are many similarities. According to the PMBOK (A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) 2008:11), a primary function of a Project Management Office (PMO) is to support Project Managers in a variety of ways. In a large international company the PMO is an organizational body or unit assigned multiple tasks connected to the coordinated and centralized management of those projects under its field. PMO’s responsibilities can vary from offering project management support functions to really being in charge of the direct management of a project.
In Wärtsilä Power Plants, PMO is a support function and is directly in charge of the management of projects. In addition to developing project management methodology, improving work processes, and developing project management information systems to support project management processes, Project Managers are supported through Project Management competence development, training and professional certification. (Interview with Sami Myllyviita 7.3.2011)
In spite of that projects may differ broadly depending on their complexity, range and goals all successful PMOs feature three basic factors: the right processes, the right people and the right tools. (Visitask 2011). In accordance with the theory, the PMO in Wärtsilä Power Plants has carefully planned its activities according to three main functions, namely processes, people and tools. These are all interdependent, and together they lead to quality. (Interview with Sami Myllyviita 7.3.2011)
