How a high-impact PMO can drive efficiency and innovation in the energy sector

Championing the cause of sustainable cooking solutions, Saudi Arabia has committed 15% of the required funding to provide clean cooking kits to millions of people, so that every family can cook healthy. The MGI’s aim is to combat climate change through collaboration, knowledge exchange and investments in the green economy. The need for sustainable cooking solutions has become increasingly urgent as communities face the dual challenges of environmental degradation and health risks. Recognizing this critical need, the MGI has embarked on a transformative journey. It has evolved from a singular focus on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for clean cooking into a Forward7 initiative, previously known as “Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking” initiative. This addresses the demand for sustainable cooking fuels while setting a new benchmark in project management excellence through the establishment of a dedicated PMO. By optimizing execution, enhancing governance and fostering innovation through this PMO, the CCI is poised to make a significant impact on communities in need, aligning with the broader objectives of the MGI.

This PMO was essential to accommodate the expanding scope of work and to fulfill the MGI's objectives. The primary aim was to facilitate strategic alignment, orchestrate stakeholder management, drive and standardize project lifecycle processes, and enhance the capabilities of project managers across the initiative.

The collaborative effort between Forward7 and EY teams to establish a best-fit PMO stands out as a unique and strategic initiative in the realm of project management transformation. This endeavor was not merely about implementing standard practices; it was a comprehensive, three-phase approach that addressed the specific challenges faced by the organization while leveraging innovative methodologies.

Laying the foundation

The uniqueness of this project lay in its meticulous assessment of the current state of project management processes. The foundational phase, "laying the foundation," involved a thorough assessment of the current state. Conducting an in-depth analysis and engaging with stakeholders through interviews, the joint team was able to identify key areas for improvement that were often overlooked in traditional PMO implementations. This phase helped to verify if the subsequent strategies were tailored to the organization's unique needs, setting the stage for a more effective transformation.

Designing the future

The complexity of the task was evident in the second phase, "designing the future," where the team developed a target operating model (TOM). The Forward7 team has developed a unique dashboard designed to streamline the presentation of complex project details to leadership. This innovative tool enhances efficiency by providing 24/7 access to critical information, ensuring that leadership meetings are informed and productive. The dashboard effectively narrates the complete lifecycle of any project, detailing challenges faced, actions taken and modifications made. By offering a clear and simplified view of project dynamics, it empowers decision-makers at all levels to make informed choices, ultimately driving success and fostering collaboration within the organization.

Sustaining excellence

In the final phase “sustainable excellence,” progress tracking reports were introduced to measure the success of the transformation. A continuous improvement plan was developed to drive ongoing enhancements. A PMO readiness assessment was conducted to enable long-term sustainability. Along with this, a lessons learned report was compiled to document best practices and future recommendations. To continuously refine project execution strategies, a driven insights engine was established.

In summary, the Forward7 and EY teams' initiative was about redefining project management excellence through a unique, strategic and intelligent approach that addressed both immediate challenges and long-term sustainability. This project exemplifies how innovative thinking and collaboration can lead to transformative outcomes in project management.

The establishment of Forward7’s PMO has catalyzed a remarkable transformation, yielding measurable results that resonate throughout the organization and its broader community.

Firstly, the initiative led to increased efficiency by implementing standardized processes that effectively eliminated redundancies and streamlined operations across various teams. This standardization optimized resource allocation and also facilitated a more cohesive workflow, allowing for quicker project turnaround times and improved overall productivity. The collaborative framework established by the Forward7 and EY teams has revolutionized project management dynamics, enhancing ownership among project managers and oversight for the PMO lead. This innovative structure has facilitated continuous improvements and maturity within Forward7, leading to the successful development of a clear and measurable business plan for 2025 and 2026.

The enhancements in efficiency have allowed Forward7 to deliver projects more swiftly, directly benefiting clients who rely on timely execution for their operations. Furthermore, the PMO has fostered a culture of collaboration, leading to a decrease in misunderstandings among stakeholders. This alignment has resulted in a more engaged workforce, with team members feeling more informed and involved in the project lifecycle. Targeted training programs designed to upskill project managers have empowered leaders, elevating their competencies and ultimately leading to higher quality project outcomes.

While concrete results are still being quantified, the potential wider impact of this PMO transformation is profound. By setting a benchmark for project management excellence within the energy sector, Forward7 is poised to influence industry standards and practices, encouraging other organizations to adopt similar methodologies. This ripple effect could lead to a more efficient and sustainable energy sector, ultimately benefiting communities through improved energy solutions and services. The integration of data-driven decision-making practices was a significant advancement. The deployment of real-time dashboards provided the Forward7 team with actionable insights and enhanced transparency. This enabled informed decision-making that is responsive to the dynamic project landscape.

Looking ahead, Forward7 aims to expand its PMO initiative to address broader challenges in the energy landscape, envisioning its PMO as a catalyst for sustainable practices and strategic advancements. Through collaboration, innovation and structured project management, Forward7 is not just managing projects, it is shaping the future of the energy industry locally and internationally. The commitment to continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the organization, its clients, and the communities it serves.