P3O® Foundation

P3O® Foundation Outline

Module 1: Introduction to P3O® 

• What is the purpose of P3O®? 

• Definitions 

• Strategic Objectives 

• What are P3O®’s 

• P3O® Definitions within the Models 

• Portfolio, programme, and project lifecycles 

• Governance and the P3O® 

• P3O® and Other Best Management 

• P3O® Terminology 
   

Module 2: Why Have a P3O®? 

• Integral Part 

• P3O® can Increase Success 

• Focus of a P3O® 

• Add Value 

• Governance Focus 

• Principles for Extracting Value 

• Govern Effectively 

• Holding People to Account 

• Prioritising Investment 

• Safeguarding Value 

• Investing in People and Processes 

• Tracking Progress 

• Getting Investment for the P3O® 

• Identifying the Stakeholders 

• Identifying the Problem 

• Analysis of Issues and Reviews 

• Value Matrix 

• Stakeholders Requirements 

• P3M3® 

• Demonstrating the Value 

• Business Case Content 

• Capability and Outcome 

• Benefits Vs Constraints 

• Key Performance Indicators 

• Cost Model 

• Some Variations of Costing 

• Overcoming Common Barriers 

• Timescales 
   

Module 3: Designing a P3O® Model 

• Factors that Affect the Design 

• Functional Areas of a P3O® 

• Design Considerations 

• Centralised Versus Decentralised 

• Additional Success Factors Hub Portfolio Offices 

• Permanent Versus Temporary 

• Underlying Success Factors – Temporary Offices 

• Co-located Versus Distributed 

• Functions and Services 

• Functional Areas 

• Wider Organisation 

• Integration 

• Assurance and Governance 

• Information Assurance (IA) 

• Non-PPM Functions and Services 

• Roles and Responsibilities 

• Skills/Competences of P3O® Staff 

• P3O® Management, Generic, and Functional Roles 

• Sizing and Tailoring 

• How to Size a P3O® Model? 

• P3O® Sponsor 

• Head of P3O® (Permanent Office) 

• Head of Programme/Project Office (Temporary) 

• Portfolio Analyst 

• Programme or Project Specialist 

• Programme or Project Officer 

• Benefits and Value Role 

• Commercial Role 

• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Role 

• Information Management Role 

• Consultancy and Performance Management Role 

• Finance and Issue Role 

• Change Control and Planning Role 

• Quality Assurance and Risk Role 

• Reporting and Secretariat/ Administrator Role 

• Tools Expert 

What You’ll Learn in this Course

This course takes you from understanding the fundamentals of Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O®) to applying structured approaches for managing organisational change effectively. Each module provides practical insights and tools to strengthen governance, resource management, and strategic alignment. 
 

• Learn how P3O® principles support effective decision-making and project delivery. 

• Learn to define the key roles, functions, and responsibilities within a P3O® model. 

• Learn to align projects and programmes with organisational strategy and objectives. 

• Learn to enhance communication, reporting, and information flow across management levels. 

• Learn to optimise resource allocation and prioritisation for improved performance. 

• Learn to apply P3O® best practices to support successful business transformation. 

P3O® Foundation Exam Information

The P3O® Foundation Exam evaluates participants' understanding of the Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O®) framework. P3O® provides guidance for setting up, developing, and maintaining support structures to enhance organisational decision-making and effective delivery of change initiatives.  

• Question Type: Multiple Choice   

• Total Questions: 75 Questions  

• Total Marks: 70 Marks    

• Pass Mark: 50%, or 35/70   

• Duration: 1 Hour   

• Type: Closed Book