Four PMOs, one scale — and a surprising result
A Tier 5 multi-PMO assessment showed the central PMO scoring below its regional peers — and changed the corporate conversation overnight.
- Start
- 02 Dec 2024
- Assessment level
- Tier 5
- Current maturity
- Level 1
- Current impact
- Level 1
- Goal
- Match higher-performing peers
Where it started.
The organization, a global leader in logistics and freight forwarding, operated a decentralized PMO environment with multiple regional and functional PMOs. Among them, the central PMO held a critical position but had limited awareness of its performance or potential in comparison to its counterparts.
To gain clarity and improve alignment across the PMO ecosystem, the organization initiated a Tier 5 PMO-MI® assessment. This involved evaluating 4 PMOs across the group, including the central PMO, to benchmark maturity and impact, and to uncover opportunities for synergy and optimization.
The assessment revealed that the central PMO scored just 1 in both maturity and impact, while several other regional PMOs demonstrated significantly higher performance levels. This surprising insight triggered a shift in mindset at the corporate level, leading to renewed focus on the role of the central PMO and its ability to drive value across the enterprise.
What the assessment showed — and what was done.
Conducted a Tier 5 multi-PMO assessment
The assessment covered multiple PMOs across the organization, using a consistent scoring framework to assess each one individually and collectively. The central PMO's performance was benchmarked against its peers, revealing clear disparities in both service maturity and value contribution.
Delivered comparative analysis and strategic recommendations
The partner provided a clear diagnostic of how and why the central PMO was underperforming relative to others. Recommendations focused on improving governance, service delivery consistency, and stakeholder engagement — while also proposing models for inter-PMO collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Facilitated integration and alignment planning
A roadmap was developed to help the central PMO evolve its role — from a reporting-focused office to a value-enabling center that could support and harmonize PMO practices across regions. Integration of shared tools, performance tracking, and cross-PMO coordination mechanisms were part of the plan.
Maturity and impact, plotted.
The central PMO sits below the other business-unit PMOs on both maturity and impact.
Where it stands now.
- Identified maturity and impact gap between central and regional PMOs.
- Initiated knowledge sharing and alignment mechanisms between PMOs.
- Improvement roadmap approved by senior leadership for central PMO transformation.
- Positioned the central PMO as a future hub for governance, support, and service harmonization.
- Set a baseline for future benchmarking and cross-PMO performance tracking.
Let's elevate your PMO.
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