Building a Principle-Based Project Management Office (PMO)

There are many principles out there. Agile frameworks are based on 12 principles and four (4) manifestos. Project Management Institute reformulated its PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) to reflect the principles of project management, PMI documented 12 principles and 8 domains in the latest version of the PMBOK 7th Edition. So now, what is a Principle-Based PMO? A Principle-based PMO is a project management office which is based on the principles of project management and is responsible for the execution and governance of projects. A Principle-Based PMO ensures that projects adhere to the core principles of project management, such as rigor, alignment, collaboration and communication. They also tie in an organization's mission and values to a project's objectives to ensure that objectives are met, and projects are successful. A Principle-Based PMO looks to establish the foundation upon which projects can grow and be successful and provides the governance and oversight necessary to ensure that each project follows the same principles and is successful.