A question often heard when starting the implementation or renovation of a project management office.

     First, I will show you two proposed types of PMO's. In the Fundamentals Guide for project management, PMBOK, indicates that there are three types of PMO's: support, control and direction with the following characteristics:

In addition, I wanted to show you the types of project management offices published in the book "Lead your PMO" by Leonardo Reyes (you can buy it at the following link). In said book, the author tells us ten types of project offices observed in his experience:

     Secondly, I wanted to comment on the PMO Value Ring methodology (highly recommended, I recommend you investigate more in the next link). This methodology indicates that for a project management office to generate greater value, it must adjust to the needs of the clients. That is why, within the first steps to implement a PMO, they propose to define the functions and balance their mix.

     In conclusion, in my opinion the answer to the initial question is: The ideal type is the one that adds value to the company. The selection of a type of PMO is a premise that serves as a reference, but it does not mean that we cannot mix characteristics between "types of PMO" or change them over time.

Each PMO is unique, since it must adapt its functions to the needs of external or internal clients to endure and provide value. However, the types of PMO are an excellent guide as a starting point and/or reference to adapt it to the reality of your organization.

Sharing ideas enriches our knowledge, at the bottom you can comment.