This program is designed for PMO (Project Management Office) professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in project assurance and governance. It offers a practical approach to implementing assurance processes that uphold quality and mitigate risks across projects. Through structured learning and hands-on activities, participants will gain skills in planning and conducting audits, applying assurance frameworks, managing stakeholder communication, and generating effective assurance reports. This training emphasises real-world application through case studies and collaborative exercises, equipping attendees to lead assurance practices in PMOs confidently.

The course is a blended delivery of online course activities and virtual weekly 2 hours workshops.  After each session, participants will receive self-study materials and exercises to complete before the following workshop.

Workshop Timetable

Week 1: Foundations of PMO Assurance

• Objective: Introduce the fundamentals of PMO assurance and its role within organisational governance.
• Topics:
• Understanding Assurance: Define and differentiate assurance (PMO and Technical) vs. quality control.
• Why assurance fails: highlighting real examples of breakdowns in assurance and governance.
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Explore these three critical areas within PMOs.
• The Three Lines Model: Understanding the PMO’s position in risk and control.
• Activities: Case study on PMO assurance, interactive discussion on GRC challenges.

Exercise/Self Study: Participants will commence working on audit of a sample or real project.

Week 2: Frameworks and Integrated Assurance

• Objective: Deepen understanding of integrated assurance and the role of various frameworks in maintaining project quality.
• Topics:
• Assurance Frameworks: Key frameworks like ISO standards and how they shape PMO work.
• Assurance Planning: How and when assurance integrates throughout entire project life cycle
• Compliance-driven vs. value-driven assurance: What are the key differences?
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Effective communication across assurance roles.
• Activities: Quiz and Framework comparison activity, simulation of assurance audits

Exercise/Self Study: Continued work on audit of a sample or real project with Week.2 learnings

• Week 3: Conducting Project Reviews and Audits

• Objective: Equip participants with techniques for planning and executing effective project reviews.
• Topics:
• Types of Reviews: Different types of project audits (gateway reviews, health checks).
• Planning for Assurance: Steps to prepare for and structure an audit.
• Assurance by Design:  Embedding assurance mechanisms from the start rather than retroactive audits.
• Tools and Techniques: Utilizing software and methodologies for audits.
• Activities: Mock project audit Quiz and, breakout groups discussing audit case studies.

Exercise/Self Study: Continued work on audit of a sample or real project with Week.3 learnings

Week 4: Reporting, Follow-Up, and Continuous Improvement

• Objective: Learn to report on findings effectively and ensure improvements are implemented.
• Topics:
• KPIs and success metrics for assurance programs: How PMOs can track their assurance maturity.
• Documentation and Reporting: Best practices for clear, actionable reporting.
• Follow-Up Processes: Techniques for ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Continuous Improvement: Integrating assurance findings into future planning.
• Activities: Final project presentation of findings in a simulated PMO setting

Each week includes practical applications, ensuring that participants develop hands-on assurance experience. This program would build skills in line with PMO assurance best practices while reinforcing key concepts through collaborative activities and real-world case studies.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CPE Hours: 15

Delivery Format: Facilitator-led training via Zoom (Note: This training program will be delivered online using Zoom. Registrations will be strictly limited to 12 participants to allow maximum interaction in the online environment.)

Facilitator: Mustafa Ghulam

Mustafa has 20+ years’ experience in five countries across range of industries. He has uniquely worked in all three tiers of government in Australia and New Zealand.

Mustafa is a dual certified project manager and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Cardiff University.

Mustafa has been a member of audit, risk and improvement committees in local government and has specific experience and interest in the audit and assurance of large technology driven programs of work.

Mustafa is a well-known conference speaker and has delivered case studies and panel discussions for 10+ national and international conferences.