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Description

Project Management Office: Tools for Steering, Consolidated Data and Effective Governance

Two days to build a support function that genuinely helps delivery teams rather than a machine for filling in spreadsheets

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • All levels
  • Up to 6 participants

A project support function is often set up at the request of an executive team seeking visibility. It gradually becomes a collector of spreadsheets that project managers complete without conviction. Data arrives late and cannot be compared. The function is seen as one more layer of control rather than a genuine aid to decision-making.

These 14 hours focus on building and running a project support function. Participants define the catalogue of services expected of them, select the methods and templates to be rolled out, and build a consolidated set of indicators. Supporting project managers and running governance forums form a substantial part of the session.

Learning objectives

  • Define the mandate and service catalogue of a project support function
  • Select the methods and standard templates to be rolled out to teams
  • Build a consolidated set of indicators fed by the projects themselves
  • Support project managers without taking over their responsibilities
  • Run governance forums and prepare decisions
  • Measure the value delivered by the support function

What makes this programme different

A support function mandate drafted and then tested against executive expectations
A set of indicators assessed against the real reporting workload it imposes on teams
Practical responses to project managers who resist perceived control

Programme

1Mandate and positioning

What the support function is for

  • Expectations of executives and of project managers
  • Types of mandate, from support to decision-making
  • Reporting line and resources required
  • Conditions for acceptance by the teams

2Shared methods and tools

Rolling out without imposing

  • Standard documents and project steering templates
  • Selecting a tool suited to the maturity of the teams
  • Common naming and tracking conventions
  • Supporting the change in working practices

3Data and consolidation

Figures that can be relied upon

  • Indicators that genuinely support project steering
  • Data collection flow and data reliability
  • Update frequency and the workload it generates
  • Dashboard designed for an executive audience

4Facilitation and support

Being useful day to day

  • Project reviews and preparation of decisions
  • Methodological support for project managers
  • Knowledge capture and lessons learned
  • Assessing the value delivered by the function

Who is it for

Project management office leads · methods officers · project controllers · directors structuring their project governance.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.