PROJECT OFFICE

A project office is a central place to lead, plan, organize, control, and close the activities of a project. It is also a place to obtain a panoramic view, that is, a view that avoids burying yourself in details.

A project office, therefore, is also an information center. It contains charts, diagrams, documentation, and schedules. It displays this information on walls, whiteboards, blackboards, and easel pads. Depending on your needs, it can even have audio-visual equipment. It houses the project team, too, especially individuals supporting the project on a full-time basis.

The benefits of a project office are threefold. One, it serves as a convenient communications hub. Two, it functions as a convenient meeting place. Three, it can serve as a central storage facility.

for Establishing a Project Office

• Identify the goals of the project.
• Identify the supplies, equipment, information, and so on, required to monitor the performance of the project.
• Sketch the outlay of the office on paper or by using computer software.
• Set up the project office before the project begins.
• Keep the project office open.
• Keep it as the central communications hub throughout the life cycle of the project.