Mini-literature review on Project Management Offices (PMOs)

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Ojiako, Udechukwu and Williams, Terry and Wang, Linzhuo and Al-Mhdawi, M.K.S. (2025) Mini-literature review on Project Management Offices (PMOs). Other. Social Science Research Network (SSRN), Amsterdam. (https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5140029)

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Abstract

Project Management Offices (PMOs) play a critical role in managing projects, programs, and portfolios within organizations. This mini-literature review examines the evolving nature of PMOs, emphasizing their functions, typologies, and strategic impact. While traditionally focused on facilitating knowledge exchange and portfolio management, PMOs are increasingly required to adapt to dynamic project environments characterized by novelty, complexity, and uncertainty. The purpose of this mini-literature review is to analyze the trends, key contributions, and research directions in PMO studies. To achieve this, a bibliometric analysis of PMO research from 2002 to 2024 was conducted using VOSviewer, utilizing data retrieved from the SCOPUS database. The review highlights the ongoing shift from conventional PMO models to more strategic and adaptive structures that foster stakeholder inclusiveness and value co-creation. Additionally, it identifies the primary academic sources, key researchers, and relevant conferences that shape contemporary PMO research. This study contributes to the understanding of PMO evolution and its implications for both academics and practitioners in project management.

ORCID iDs

Ojiako, Udechukwu ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0506-2115, Williams, Terry, Wang, Linzhuo and Al-Mhdawi, M.K.S.;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)