PMO as a service:  A competence analysis through the francophone lens

Bruno Dornelas de Azevedo Fernandes; Bruno Luiz Américo

doi:10.5585/2025.27968

Autores/as

Bruno Dornelas de Azevedo Fernandes Universidad Federal do Espírito Santo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7130-3952
Bruno Luiz Américo Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2615-6583

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.27968

Palabras clave:

management and organization studies, competence, Project Management Office (PMO), project management office as a service

Resumen

This article aims to link the French current of competence to investigate the competence mobilized by the Project Management Office as a Service professional when carrying out their work. A qualitative approach is used to explore such a little-studied phenomenon. Data was collected through documents and semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed through grounded theory. The results show some competencies and attributes mobilized by the studied professionals to perform competently in real work situations where the context influences their performance. It ends by empirically contributing to the literature on Project Management Office insofar as the findings indicate possibilities to format customized training better directed to real working situations, where organizations can guide themselves to train their employees, who can enhance their employability.

Biografía del autor/a

Bruno Dornelas de Azevedo Fernandes, Universidad Federal do Espírito Santo

PMI-PMP Certified with over two decades of professional experience, I have a solid background in Business Administration, Foreign Trade, International Logistics, and Project Management. I hold a degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, an MBA in Foreign Trade and International Business, a Postgraduate degree in Project Management, and an Academic Master's in Administration. My career reflects deep involvement in project management and supply chain operations, particularly in foreign trade and international logistics. Throughout my career, I have worked across various industries, including automotive, mining, construction, oil & gas, transportation logistics, distance education, and public governance, consistently taking on leadership roles. My positions have ranged from Project Manager to Operations Manager, from Supply and Warehouse Manager to Logistics and Import/Export Operations Coordinator. My international experience has equipped me with the ability to lead multicultural teams in megaprojects in remote locations and drive digital transformation initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration between geographically dispersed teams. Since 2018, I have also been actively involved in volunteer work at the Project Management Institute (PMI), where I currently serve as Vice President (2025-26 term). Previously, for two consecutive terms (2021-24), I served as Director of Programs, leading over 200 volunteers and organizing more than 90 events. Notable among these were the Brazilian Congress on Management, Projects, and Leadership (CBGPL2022), the Minas Gerais Congress on Management, Projects, and Leadership (CGPL2024), and the Annual Scientific Event (2020-2024 editions), demonstrating my commitment to fostering a vibrant and high-excellence community in project management and leadership. This summary reflects not only my professional journey but also my dedication to advancing project management, supply chain, and international logistics through hands-on leadership and academic research. Key Projects:
Petrobras P-56 Project - 2009 | Company: Thermotite/Bredero Shaw | Client: Subsea7
Moatize Coal Project - 2010-2012 | Company: Odebrecht | Client: Vale S/A & CFM
Moatize Expansion Project - 2012-2013 | Company: Odebrecht | Client: Vale S/A & CFM
Nacala Logistics Corridor Project - 2014-2015 | Company: Bolloré | Client: CLN (Vale S/A, CFM & Mitsui)
Northern Development Corridor Project - 2014-2015 | Company: Bolloré | Client: Vale S/A, CFM & Mitsui
Implementation of the PMO at CGE/SC - 2022-2024 | Organization: CGE/SC | Client: Government of Santa Catarina. Digital Transformation: Project Workflow Automation at CGE/SC - 2023 | Organization: CGE/SC | Client: Government of Santa Catarina. Guyana Office Complex Project - 2024 | Company: Nabi-KCL | Client: ExxonMobil.

Bruno Luiz Américo, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

PhD in Management (UFES), with a visiting PhD Scholar term at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Tenure-Track Professor in the Academic Department of Management Sciences at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) and a School of Government and Public Policy member (PUCP).

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