Frequently Asked Questions

PPM relates to the centralized management of processes, methodologies, and tools used to collectively manage a group of existing or proposed projects. It’s a way of ensuring alignment with the goals of an organization, and should optimize resource usage.

Traditional project management tends to focus on individual projects, from their planning to execution and delivery. PPM, on the other hand, takes a more high level approach, managing a portfolio of projects, hopefully all which align with a set of strategic priorities.

PPM offers a way for organizations to prioritize their projects, allocate their resources, and monitor performance effectively. With PPM, they can align their projects with strategic goals, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.

PPM opens the door to improved, data-led decision making, as well optimized resource allocation and better risk management. Properly implemented PPM should also enhance visibility of projects and aid in alignment of those projects with overall business goals.

Implementing PPM practices will always involve aligning projects with strategic goals, that means ensuring your entire portfolio of projects will line up with company goals.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) help companies measure the project performance as well as the portfolio health. Some common KPIs might include budget variance, resource utilization, or even schedule adherence.

Resource management is crucial in any business, and as such it’s crucial in PPM. It ensures that teams, budgets and other assets can be allocated effectively, and aren’t over extended across multiple projects.

A PMO is a project management office. It’s a centralized team that is there to establish and maintain project management capabilities across an organization. It should support project execution, improve efficiency, and ensure alignment with an organization’s strategic objectives.

For the most part, PMOs are there to handle project governance, resource management, and process standardization. As part of their project management duties, they will also focus on risk management and performance reporting, acting as a central hub of project coordination in all its facets.

By standardizing processes, ensuring best practices, and maintaining oversight, a PMO should ensure projects are completed on time, and within budget.

As with introducing any new aspect to a business, typical challenges would include resistance to change, a lack of executive support and potential unclear objectives. There may also be some difficulty in standardizing process if they are already spread across diverse teams and/or departments