Project Management Office (PMO)
What is a PMO? A Project Management Office (PMO) is a centralized team or function that defines and maintains project ...
What is a PMO?
A Project Management Office (PMO) is a centralized team or function that defines and maintains project management standards across an organization.What this post matters
You’ve got a great idea. You know it will make a difference. But if you can’t explain it in a way that wins approval, it’s dead on arrival. These five elements turn your business case into a green light.
1. Strategic fit
Start with the why. Show how the project supports your organization’s mission. In healthcare, that might mean improving patient outcomes or meeting compliance standards. In nonprofits, it could be delivering more services without wasting donor dollars.
2. Benefits and ROI
Boards want to know what they get for the investment. Spell out the benefits in plain language. Include financial returns and risk avoidance. For example, avoiding a HIPAA breach can save millions. For nonprofits, preventing grant loss is just as critical.
3. Costs and capacity
Be honest about what it takes. Include staff time, vendor costs, and change management. If clinicians or volunteers are involved, show how you’ll protect their time. This builds trust and prevents surprises later.
4. Risks and mitigation
Every project has risks. Call them out and show your plan to manage them. This is where governance shines. Stage gates, vendor oversight, and clear decision rights make boards feel safe.5. Roadmap and measurement
Close with a simple timeline and clear success metrics. Assign owners for benefits. Show when and how you’ll report progress. This proves you’re serious about accountability.Pro Tip
Keep it short. A seven-slide deck can do the job. One page for each element. Make it visual and easy to share.
Your next step
Want to know if your PMO is ready to deliver strong business cases? Download the PMO Readiness Checklist and start building confidence today.