International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

What is the role of a Project Support Office?

1. To execute projects independently

2. To provide organizational support to project teams

3. To eliminate the need for project teams

4. To manage company-wide operations

The correct answer is: To provide organizational support to project teams

The role of a Project Support Office (PSO) is fundamentally about providing organizational support to project teams. A PSO focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of project management across the organization by offering tools, methodologies, and additional resources. This support can include assistance in project planning, documentation, reporting, training, and ensuring adherence to organizational standards and best practices. The PSO acts as a facilitator, enabling project teams to concentrate on their specific goals while ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and guidance. By fostering a collaborative environment, the PSO helps to streamline processes, enhance communication, and promote knowledge sharing among teams. This ultimately leads to improved project outcomes and contributes to the organization’s overall success in managing its projects. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the nature of the PSO's role. Executing projects independently suggests a level of autonomy that is not typical for a support office, as it is primarily designed to assist rather than replace project teams. Eliminating the need for project teams contradicts the very purpose of having a PSO. Lastly, managing company-wide operations falls outside the scope of the PSO, which is focused specifically on project-related activities and support.