Efficacy of Project Management Offices in Public Building Construction Projects in Ethiopia

Project Management Offices (PMOs) have become increasingly important in strengthening project governance and delivery within Ethiopia’s public construction sector. Despite their growing adoption, many PMOs remain insufficiently integrated into organizational governance structures, and challenges in project performance persist. This study examines the effectiveness of PMO practices in public building construction projects, with particular attention to their influence on project performance and institutional coordination. An exploratory and explanatory multiple-case study design was employed, using a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from three major public institutions in Addis Ababa-namely the Mega Projects Construction Office (MPCO), the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), and the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU). Evidence was drawn from 21 semi-structured interviews, 33 structured questionnaire responses, and a review of relevant organizational documents. The data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis supported by descriptive statistical techniques. The findings indicate that PMOs contribute positively to improving cost control and schedule performance. However, their overall effectiveness is constrained by fragmented governance structures, limited cross-departmental coordination, weak risk management practices, and low stakeholder engagement. In addition, capacity gaps persist due to the absence of structured recruitment frameworks, limited professional certification, and inconsistent training opportunities. The study recommends phased institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance integration, promoting competency-based staffing, and aligning PMO practices with internationally recognized standards. By providing empirical evidence from Ethiopia’s public construction sector, this study contributes to a better understanding of PMO effectiveness and offers practical insights for improving project governance in developing-country contexts.