Title: The performance of project management offices in public institutions: a scoping review

Authors: Kwasi Agyeman-Boakye; Ivy Maame Adwoa Abu; Ernest Kissi; Anita Odame Adade-Boateng; Robert Mensah Agbemor Normesinu

Addresses: Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ' Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract: This study explores how project management offices (PMOs) contribute to performance in public institutions. Using a scoping review methodology guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, a search was conducted across EBSCOhost, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. From 2,554 articles initially identified, 17 studies were selected and included for detailed analysis. The review reveals that PMOs in public institutions, particularly in the education and information technology sectors, are predominantly permanent and focus on internal customers. PMOs play diverse roles in directing, controlling, and supporting projects, leading to improved cost efficiency, stakeholder satisfaction, and a sustained project management culture. The findings emphasise the importance of PMOs in enhancing project management practices in the public sector and offer insights for policymakers to optimise PMO structures for better alignment with organisational goals. Future research is needed to explore the evolving roles of PMOs in different public sectors.

Keywords: project management office; PMO; public institutions; project performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2025.150120

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2025 Vol.17 No.4, pp.421 - 449

Received: 14 Sep 2024
Accepted: 01 Apr 2025
Published online: 01 Dec 2025 *

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