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Questions and Answers
What is a key advantage of a matrix organizational structure?
What is a key advantage of a matrix organizational structure?
Which of the following disadvantages is associated with project-oriented structures?
Which of the following disadvantages is associated with project-oriented structures?
How does flexibility manifest in functional organizational structures?
How does flexibility manifest in functional organizational structures?
What is a typical characteristic of authority in a matrix structure?
What is a typical characteristic of authority in a matrix structure?
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What is a likely consequence of having fewer specialists in a functional organizational structure?
What is a likely consequence of having fewer specialists in a functional organizational structure?
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In a weak matrix organization, who primarily manages the project budget?
In a weak matrix organization, who primarily manages the project budget?
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How is the project manager's role defined in a strong matrix organization?
How is the project manager's role defined in a strong matrix organization?
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In a balanced matrix organization, who holds the authority to manage the project budget?
In a balanced matrix organization, who holds the authority to manage the project budget?
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What characterizes the project manager's role in a project-oriented (hybrid) organizational structure?
What characterizes the project manager's role in a project-oriented (hybrid) organizational structure?
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What type of organizational culture is evident when workgroups are arranged by job function?
What type of organizational culture is evident when workgroups are arranged by job function?
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In what way does flexibility within organizational structures benefit project management?
In what way does flexibility within organizational structures benefit project management?
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How does division of labor manifest in a weak matrix organization?
How does division of labor manifest in a weak matrix organization?
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Which authority structure allows the project manager to have the highest control over resources?
Which authority structure allows the project manager to have the highest control over resources?
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What factor helps define the structure of an organization by ensuring specialization?
What factor helps define the structure of an organization by ensuring specialization?
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How does organizational culture impact project management?
How does organizational culture impact project management?
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Which statement is true regarding authority and leadership within an organization?
Which statement is true regarding authority and leadership within an organization?
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What aspect of an organization allows for adaptation and managing different projects effectively?
What aspect of an organization allows for adaptation and managing different projects effectively?
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Which is essential for project managers to effectively identify stakeholders?
Which is essential for project managers to effectively identify stakeholders?
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What role does interdependence play in managing a project?
What role does interdependence play in managing a project?
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Which approach can aid project managers in navigating obstacles within an organization?
Which approach can aid project managers in navigating obstacles within an organization?
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Which factor is not associated with effective project management?
Which factor is not associated with effective project management?
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Study Notes
Professional Practice & Standards - Week 1
- The organizational structure of a corporation affects project resource allocation and project manager authority.
- Key project organizational structures include functional, project-based, and matrix.
- Advantages and disadvantages exist for each structure.
- Organizational culture significantly impacts project management approaches even with the same organizational structure.
- Understanding the "lay of the land" (organizational structure and culture) is crucial for project managers to avoid obstacles and leverage opportunities.
- A well-designed organizational structure facilitates project success by enabling identification of stakeholders and team members.
- Organizational structure should appropriately balance project and parent organizational needs defining resource allocation and authority interactions, ultimately integrating outcomes into mainstream operations.
Factors Affecting Project Organizational Structure
- Division of labor ensures specialization and task coordination within the project structure.
- Background and experience of project team members are critical considerations.
- Interdependencies and interactive management approaches influence project systems and cross-organizational scheduling.
- Authority and leadership should align with responsibility for defining accountability and team cohesion.
- Clear reporting lines (unity of command) and skilled personnel are essential.
- Stakeholder identification and effective communication are imperative.
- The project structure must be flexible to adapt to environmental changes (size, duration, technology, etc).
- Cultural values and employee loyalty significantly affect project success.
Organizational Structures: Organic/Simple, Functional, Matrix (Weak, Balanced, Strong), Project-Oriented
- Organic/Simple: Flexible work groups; project manager role may be part-time, coordinator, or even owner/operator, managing the budget.
- Functional: Work is divided by job function (e.g., manufacturing, engineering); project manager role may be part-time or a coordinator, and resource management is by the functional manager.
- Matrix (Weak): Organised by job function, project manager role is part-time, not designated, and the functional manager handles the budget.
- Matrix (Balanced): Job function organization but with a mixed role for the project manager and budget management.
- Matrix (Strong): Project manager as a full-time role, with full responsibility and authority over resources.
- Project-Oriented (Composite/Hybrid): Structure organized around projects; designated full-time project manager controls resources and the budget.
Project and Functional Manager Responsibilities
- Project Manager: Focuses on task completion, timing, budget adherence, and overall project success. They must negotiate issues with functional managers.
- Functional Manager: responsible for the functional details of work, resources within their function, integrating project efforts into their department successfully. They negotiate issues with project managers.
Matrix Organization - Negotiated Issues
- Project Manager responsibilities: Defining tasks; determining timelines; managing budget; ensuring project success.
- Functional Manager responsibilities: Managing the tasks' execution based on function; integrating projects into department workflow; resource allocation within their function.
Organizational Structure Types (Weak, Balanced, Strong Matrix & Project-Oriented) Explained
- Weak Matrix Organization: Staff reporting to both functional and project managers, with functional managers making most decisions.
- Balanced Matrix Organization: Staff reporting to both functional and project managers, with shared decision-making for project and functional tasks.
- Strong Matrix Organization: Staff primarily report to project managers with functional managers providing support. Project managers make most decisions, overseeing the project flow
- Project-Oriented Organization: All project team members report to a central project manager, who solely manages the project's budget and resources; functional managers support the project.
Project Manager Roles
- Staff Assistant/Coordinator: Draw project schedules, collect information, track progress, and assist the project manager in day-to-day activities.
- Project Manager: Oversee all aspects of the project and budget, directly responsible for completion and successful execution of a project, often engaging functional managers to meet deliverables and goals
Advantages and Disadvantages of Organizational Structures
- Functional: Fewer negotiations, and team familiarity; but less flexibility, slower project completion, and lack of focus.
- Matrix (all variations): Efficient resource allocation; smoother post-project transitions, but high admin costs, shared responsibility confusion, and potential complex reporting.
- Project-Oriented: Strong project control and fast execution; but costly, potential internal strife, limited knowledge sharing.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the fundamental aspects of organizational structures in project management. It covers key project organizational types such as functional, project-based, and matrix, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the influence of organizational culture and structure is essential for effective resource allocation and project success.
