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Many organizations benefit significantly by utilizing a Project Management Office (PMO); it means they gain advantages from standardizing and following project management policies, processes, and methods. However, building an effective PMO is a complex process; it requires clear vision and strong leadership so that, over time, it will become the source for guidance, documentation, and metrics related to the practices involved in managing and implementing projects. The book Leading Successful PMOs guides all project-based organizations and project managers who contribute to and benefit from a PMO toward maximizing their project success. In it, Peter Taylor outlines the basics of setting up a PMO and clearly explains how to ensure it will do exactly what you need it to do – the right things, in the right way, in the right order, with the right team.
Rating: 5.3 – The book by Peter Taylor on Project Management Offices (PMOs) is recognized for its straightforward layout and clear language, structured into five digestible chapters. However, its reliance on highlighted quotes and a monochromatic design limits visual appeal. Published around 2011, its content, based on surveys and interviews rather than in-depth research, now appears outdated in light of new developments in PMO understanding and business agility.
The text is clear and logically organized, but the content provides only limited practical guidance and relevance to real-world scenarios.
The author’s approach, focusing on his five “Ps” (People, Process, Performance, Promotion, and PMIS) is critiqued for lacking detailed implementation guidance. The book primarily presents a 360-degree view of PMO leadership through outdated surveys, short case studies, and job advertisement analysis, missing opportunities to demonstrate the evolution of PMO practices.
The survey included offers basic insights into leading a successful PMO, but it has not been updated annually, limiting its usefulness. The book gives a superficial overview of PMOs, their types, operational methodologies, and maturity, with a dated survey and job description analysis. Despite the author’s recognized expertise and reliable content, the book offers minimal new insights and lacks depth, relying on common examples and limited citations. The visuals are clear and complement the text, but their relevance and engagement vary. Overall, the presentation is informative but could benefit from more in-depth analysis and updated content.
The book is professionally published, featuring an easy-to-read style and a visually appealing layout, enriched with numerous highlighted quotes and statements. Its graphics are presented in black and white, and it is available in paperback and Kindle formats to accommodate various reader preferences. The design includes lists of bullet points without detailed explanations, which may not always provide a comfortable reading experience. Additionally, the absence of color restricts the possibility for more engaging and dynamic visual presentations.
The book was probably relevant in 2011 for running or setting up a PMO. However, with the current advancements in PMOs and business agility, this information is no longer relevant.
The text maintains clarity and understandability throughout, with ideas laid out in a logical and coherent sequence. While the organization is adequate, there is room for improvement. The choice of language is suitable, enhancing engagement with the reader.
The description of the PMO is somewhat superficial, with content that is applicable to some extent but holds limited relevance in real-world scenarios. It offers minimal practical utility or guidance for implementation, contributing only modestly to professional practice by providing a few useful insights. While it does assist in decision-making, its applicability is restricted. Furthermore, it proposes certain problem-solving approaches, though these have a narrow scope.
The survey aimed at understanding the essence of leading a successful PMO aggregates information in a manner more akin to a survey presentation. It is unfortunate that the author has not conducted this survey annually over the last decade to illustrate its evolution. The content revisits familiar concepts without introducing new insights, making only modest contributions that marginally advance the field. It relies on common or outdated examples that offer minimal added value. While it occasionally questions conventional wisdom, it falls short of presenting alternative solutions. However, it does provide a somewhat fresh perspective that contributes to enriching the discussion.
The assessment provides a comprehensive 360-degree view, incorporating insights from PMO leaders through short case studies and interviews, perspectives from over 800 project managers via detailed survey analysis, and market trends from the examination of 100 job advertisements for PMO leadership roles. Additionally, it includes executive insights from “C”-level professionals to complete the overview. It is unfortunate that the book lacks in-depth analysis or insight, as many bullet point lists are presented without any explanation.
The author is well-known internationally and has high credibility.
The text offers a rather cursory examination of PMOs, delineating various aspects such as types—including departmental, special-purpose, outreaching, external, and enterprise—and operational methodologies, whether supportive, controlling, directive, or blended. It also touches upon PMO maturity. Concluding the chapter is a succinct summary of PMO roles and potential functions. Despite this, the integration of survey findings into a framework for PMO leader competencies is executed at a sophisticated level. However, the survey on PMO success and job description analysis is dated, being over a decade old, resulting in limited impact on the reader’s personal development
The provided list recommends seven books for additional reading, yet it lacks references to the sources utilized. The information presented stems from a survey, a 360-degree assessment, and feedback. However, the accuracy of the graphs in reflecting the original feedback is unverifiable.
The visuals are of acceptable clarity and quality, seamlessly integrated to complement the text effectively and substantially enhance the reader’s understanding of the content. While relevant, the visuals may not always represent the content optimally. Not all visuals are engaging or maintain consistency. However, the overall presentation is informative and aids in conveying the key points.