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The book “Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices” offers insights on how to create tailored governance and support structures for managing portfolios, programs and projects. It provides guidance for building a business case, and funding models for set-up and ongoing costs. Different types of office are considered, together with the roles and services that may be carried out.
The book:
- Defines the principles, processes and techniques of effective P3Os
- Discusses the value of P3Os and performance measures
- Includes real-world examples and case studies
- Describes typical lifecycles of P3O models
- Extends the guidance within PRINCE2, MSP, MoP, MoV and M_o_R
This publication serves as a manual from which the syllabus and the examinations are set and supports the P3O qualification.
Rating: 6.5 – The book by Axelos on Project, Program and Portfolio Office (P30) combines a practical approach with a design quality that significantly enhances reader engagement. The use of a consistent color scheme and the clear organization of the book’s supplementary material, such as appendices and glossaries, exemplify a high-quality physical and digital presentation. However, the extensive use of bullet points, while not detracting significantly from the overall design, suggests that a more streamlined approach could further improve the reading experience.
When it comes to the relevance of the content, the book offers a good foundation on PMOs, yet it does not fully capture the dynamic nature of current PMO practices, as its last major content revision was in 2013. This could limit its effectiveness for professionals seeking to apply the latest PMO concepts and frameworks.
The book’s readability is adequate, presenting its concepts in defined sections. However, the reliance on bullet points and a base level of prior knowledge means it might not be the most approachable resource for novices in the field. Additionally, the absence of a PMO lifecycle model could make the practical application of the book’s teachings more challenging for readers.
The book’s structure and clarity are particularly suitable for those with existing knowledge of the field, ready to integrate the detailed concepts into practice. However, for novices, the book’s format might prove challenging, as it presupposes a certain level of pre-existing expertise without offering the narrative connectivity necessary to bridge the gap between theory and practical application.
While the book originally offered fresh insights into PMO management, its content now reflects well-established industry knowledge, limiting its innovative perspective. Case studies, though supportive, could benefit from additional detail, diminishing their effectiveness as learning tools. Additionally, the book’s value is somewhat restricted by outdated concepts, given that the main content was published in 2008, with the portfolio section added in 2013.
The book’s presentation exhibits professional standards, marked by a straightforward and cohesive layout. Utilization of a consistent color scheme with purple headers, chapter dividers, and accents in lilacs and blue contributes to its aesthetic appeal. The organization of appendices, case studies, and glossary is notably clean and accessible. While the use of bullet points is extensive, it does not significantly detract from the book’s overall high-quality physical and digital design, which is near flawless. This effective design quality plays a significant role in reader engagement and satisfaction, although a slight reduction in bullet points could enhance the score even further. Overall, the book achieves a commendable balance between visual appeal and functionality.
The book offers foundational knowledge on PMOs but is encumbered by outdated concepts and does not fully reflect the evolving landscape of business and PMO services. It adheres to rigid organizational structures and outdated terminologies like ‘permanent’ and ‘temporary’ PMOs, instead of adopting more current terms like ‘initiative-specific’ and ‘organizational’ PMOs, which eschew misleading implications of permanence. The content’s last major revision in 2013 only addressed portfolio chapters without updating to include a PMO lifecycle framework, PMO principles, and sizing models that work across all industries. Moreover, the reliance on the ‘hub and spoke’ model and case studies based solely on the authors’ experiences does not provide a diverse or comprehensive perspective on PMO design, which is now understood today.
These shortcomings signal that, while the book can serve as an introductory resource, it is not an up-to-date guide for professionals seeking to navigate current industry standards and practices.
The book’s readability is a mix of clarity and complexity. While it presents its ideas in well-defined sections and makes use of bullet points to delineate key concepts, this format may best serve those already familiar with the field, who can readily integrate these points into a larger operational framework. Newcomers may find the book’s approach challenging, as it presupposes a base level of knowledge and does not bridge the gap between theory and practice for emerging professionals. The clear structure of the book is somewhat offset by a lack of narrative continuity, which, coupled with the absence of a PMO lifecycle model, may impede a reader’s full comprehension and ability to apply the content practically. A more structured and narrative-driven approach would enhance the book’s accessibility and practical utility, guiding readers in translating knowledge into actionable strategy.
The book is a practical guide for those setting up or revitalizing a PMO but may not present a comprehensive overview of all potential PMO services, posing a risk of oversight in service coverage. It offers valuable insights into the PMO’s value, its mandate, and actionable steps for implementation, accompanied by an illustrative business case. These elements make the book a pragmatic resource applicable in real-world scenarios, despite certain limitations. While the book provides foundational knowledge necessary for developing a PMO, readers should note that more recent publications may highlight gaps in the book’s content, particularly in areas beyond the scope of what is covered.
When the book was initially published, it provided a valuable overview, introducing pivotal questions that continue to be relevant in PMO and portfolio management discussions today. However, the landscape of PMO literature has evolved significantly, offering more comprehensive and up-to-date insights. While the book was once a forerunner, providing original content and contributing to the field’s understanding, its ideas have since been overshadowed by new, innovative works. The originality score reflects the book’s current position in light of contemporary publications, acknowledging that its once novel concepts have now become part of the common discourse in the field.
The book incorporates small case studies to bolster its underlying methodologies and models, yet their anonymity diminishes their impact. The case studies, drawn from the authors’ experiences, are not sufficiently detailed; there is an absence of critical analysis detailing the initial challenges, the solutions implemented, and the development of the stated PMO target operating model. Notably, the case studies do not provide assessments of their success or the metrics used for evaluation, limiting their utility.
Eileen Roden is recognized for her substantial contributions to the PMO community. With a number of publications to her name and a leading role in PMO conferences in London and Edinburgh, her reputation is robust. As a co-founder of the House of PMO and an organizer of PMO conferences, she has cemented her role as a trustworthy and respected authority in the field of project management. This experience and recognition contribute to the book’s credibility and reinforce its standing as a reliable resource in the industry.
The book’s primary value may be most appreciated by students preparing for P30 foundation or practitioner certification, as it aligns closely with the curriculum of these specific courses. For a more general readership, such as senior business leaders seeking to understand PMO justifications and organizational structures, its value appears limited. Moreover, concerns are raised about the use of this book for certifications, as it may be rooted in outdated concepts. Relying on such material for certification or as a measure of competence may hinder the progression and application of current knowledge and methodologies in the field of personal growth.
The book’s research quality is underpinned by a reference list of 28 books for further reading, and although direct citations within the text are absent, the compilation of these books is the result of a rigorous process. This involves extensive discussions and peer reviews by a diverse group consisting of UK public sector organizations, independent consultants, practitioner organizations, and academic institutions, with significant contributions acknowledged from entities such as Citi, APMG International, the Australian Government, and various UK universities.
The figures and tables within the book are noted for their functionality and consistency, effectively aiding in the articulation of the author’s main points and facilitating the understanding of the theories presented. Despite this, there is a noted gap in the form of a comprehensive, overarching visual representation of P3O, which could have further augmented the reader’s grasp and retention of the material. The agreement on this point suggests a consensus on the usefulness of the data visualizations, acknowledging that while helpful, there is room for improvement in delivering a complete visual summary of the content.