Comparing Traditional vs. AI-Enhanced
Project Management Offices
PEER REVIEWED PAPER
By Rishiraj Kohli
Ph.D. Candidate, Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence)
University of the Cumberlands, USA
Abstract
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the major transformations that the Project Management Offices (PMOs) are going through. These are no longer compliance-heavy structures, rather, they are value-driven, adaptive strategy hubs. This article compares traditional PMOs with those empowered by AI in five areas: governance, assurance, portfolio alignment, knowledge management, and delivery support. AI applications have brought about significant improvements in forecasting, risk detection, resource allocation, and knowledge retrieval. As a result, PMOs are given the chance to automate their routine work and provide decision-making with predictive, explainable insights. Machine learning and AI do not only help in overseeing the work but also keep the organizations on track with the set objectives. The “xMO” transition concept and a feasible maturity plan that we are bringing to the table is an approach that helps organizations to enhance portfolio results while promoting the safe use of AI and the strengthening of the organizational resilience over the long term.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Project Management Office (PMO), Automation, Decision-making, Risk management, Organizational learning
- Introduction
Background
Project Management Offices (PMOs) have always been the organizational units that took charge of standardizing the processes, ensuring compliance to the implemented processes, and also verifying the agreement with business objectives. Historically, PMOs were often identified as control centers dominated by governance in which the main activities were oversight, reporting, and strict adherence to processes (Syalevi, Adiyarta, & Putra, 2024). As a result of digital change and the increasing intricacies of projects, PMOs have had to explore more flexible and value-based directions. Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made a significant impact on the PMO with the introduction of new features like automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent knowledge management, which all together are the main factors that change the identity and the role of PMOs (Adamantiadou, 2025; Nenni, de Felice, de Luca, & Forcina, 2024).
Rationale
The transformation of traditional PMOs into AI-enabled PMOs is not simply a matter of changing the technology but a complete reverses in the perceptions of PMO functions in organizations. Traditional PMOs were confined in managing control and compliance issues whereas AI-powered PMOs perform the roles of strategic partners to the organization by taking care of value creation, resource optimization, and decision support (Nieto-Rodriguez & Vargas, 2023; PMI, 2024). The organizations require this research today more than at any other time when they are struggling with AI implementation but at the same time want to maintain governance integrity.
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How to cite this paper: Kohli, R. (2025). The Evolution of the PMO: Comparing Traditional vs. AI-Enhanced Project Management Offices, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue XI, November. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pmwj159-Dec2025-Kohli-Evolution-of-the-PMO.pdf
About the Author
Rishiraj Kohli
USA
Rishiraj Kohli is a Senior IT Project Manager at Schwarz Partners and a Ph.D. candidate in Information Technology with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Cumberlands (expected 2027). He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). With extensive experience leading enterprise AI, digital transformation, and compliance-driven initiatives in insurance, logistics, and healthcare, he specializes in bridging governance, risk management, and innovation. His work focuses on making AI adoption accessible and responsible for non-technical professionals while ensuring regulatory alignment. He can be contacted at rkohli5848@ucumberlands.edu or rishirajkohli@gmail.com
