Which attribute is essential for an effective Project Management Office?

The centralization of project management support and governance is essential for an effective Project Management Office (PMO) because it allows for a consistent approach to project management across the entire organization. This centralized structure enables the PMO to standardize methodologies, processes, tools, and reporting practices, which improves communication and collaboration among various project teams.

By providing a cohesive framework, the PMO can better align projects with the organization's strategic goals, monitor project performance effectively, and facilitate resource allocations across projects. Centralization also helps in establishing clear governance structures, ensuring that projects are not only executed but managed in accordance with the organization's objectives and standards.

In contrast to that, independence from the organization's strategy might lead to a disconnection between project outcomes and the organization's goals. Decentralized decision-making could result in inconsistencies and a lack of uniformity in project execution. While active involvement in project execution can be beneficial, it may detract from the PMO's primary role of governance and oversight if not balanced appropriately with its other responsibilities. Hence, centralization in support and governance is pivotal for the success and effectiveness of a PMO.