Chapter 4: Project in Organizational Structure

Question 1

forms of organization

Answer 1

functional, projectized, matrix, composite

Question 2

projects in functional org.

Answer 2

make it a part of one of the functional divisions, or assign the work to all divisions with the top management overseeing the effort

Question 3

advantages in functional

Answer 3

maximum flexibility in staff use, experts can be utilized by many different projects, functional division serves as a base of technological continuity

Question 4

disadvantages in functional

Answer 4

client is not the focus, units tend to be oriented toward the activities of that particular function, no individual is given full responsibility, response to client needs is slow, tendency to suboptimize project, weak motivation

Question 5

advantages projectized

Answer 5

PM has full authority, all members report to PM, short lines of communications, swift decisions, structurally simple/flexible, supports holistic approach

Question 6

disadvantages projectized

Answer 6

duplication in staffing, stockpiling, workers tend to fall behind in other areas of their technical expertise, project takes on life of its own

Question 7

projects matrixed

Answer 7

combination of standalone projectized and functional

Question 8

weak matrix

Answer 8

project might only have one full time person, the PM. functional dep. devote capacity to the project, primary task of PM is to coordinate project activities carried out by functional dep.

Question 9

advantages matrx

Answer 9

project is point of emphasis, access to entire organization for labor/tech, don’t have to worry about life after project finished, response to client needs is rapid, organizations flexibility

Question 10

disadvantages matrix

Answer 10

power balance delicate, projects compete for resources, division of authority/responsibility is complex, violates unity of command

Question 11

functional form best for:

Answer 11

in-depth application of technology, large capital investment

Question 12

project form best for:

Answer 12

handling a large number of similar projects, handling a one-time project that requires much control, but is not focused on one functional area

Question 13

matrix form best for:

Answer 13

require inputs from several functional areas, use technology from several functional areas

Question 14

purposes of PMO

Answer 14

establish project administrative procedures, facilitator not doer, ensures project portfolio supports its overall goals and strategies