Project portfolio management and project management offices in local government

Abstract

In response to the shortage of housing and political and societal demands the city of Gothenburg has initiated many land development projects leading to a high pressure on its municipal offices. Current lack of efficient frameworks for multi-project management have several offices operating with strained resources to deliver projects. This thesis investigates the current state of project management in the public offices and if and how principles of project portfolio management and project management offices can be implemented to support effective project delivery in municipal offices. The qualitative case study includes a literature review and semi-structured interviews. The empirical findings show numerous challenges to the practice of effective project management, implementation of project portfolio management and project management offices that indicate low project management maturity levels in the organizations. The conclusions drawn show that project portfolio management can address the challenges faced in dealing with the multi-project setting. More urgent however is development of project management maturity and effective project management practices as this is essential to support effective project portfolio management. A possible way of addressing these challenges and facilitate implementation of more effective project management practices and project portfolio management is identified in the project management office.