COMMON TERMS Flashcards
What is a strong matrix?
the project manager is full time and has a moderate to high control over resources.
One phase of the project has been completed, and the stakeholders are very happy with the transition of the project deliverable. What would be the next best step on this project?
Conduct a phase review. When a project is completed, the project stakeholders should conduct a phase gate or phase review to determine whether to continue the project or end it. You should not start a phase if you have not reviewed the previously finished phase.
what is a weak matrix?
when project management is part-time and resource availability is controlled by the functional manager. All other choices require a full-time project manager.
What is an organic or simple structure?
In an ________ the owner controls the budget, and there are few to no resources. Answers B and C are not organizational structure types. A weak matrix would have a functional manager to control the budget.
What happens in a functional organization?
Team members complete project work in addition to normal departmental work
Pros:
- Easier management of specialists
- team members report to only one supervisor
- resources are centralized
- clearly defined career paths
Cons:
- people focus more on their functional specialty which could hurt the project
- limited career path in project management
- project manager has little to no authority
What happens in a project-oriented organization?
The entire company is organized by projects. PM has project control and project resources assigned to them.
Pros:
- efficient project organizations
- team loyalty to the project
- more efficient communications than functional
- project manager has more power to make decisions
Cons:
- no place for team members to return once the project is over
- lack of specialization in discplines
- duplication of facilities and job functions
- may result in less efficient use of resources
What are the pros and cons of a matrix organization?
Pros:
- highly visible project objectives
- improved project manager control over resources, compared to functional
- more support from functional areas
- maximum utilization of resources
- better coordination
- better horizontal and vertical dissemination of information
- team members maintain a home
Cons:
- extra administration is required
- project team members have more than one manager
- more complex to monitor and control
- resource allocation is more complex
- extensive policies and procedures are needed
- functional managers have different priorities than PMs
- higher potential for conflict
Compare the different kinds of PMOs
Supportive - PMO provides policies, templates, lessons learned for projects within the organization. Has low level of control over projects.
Controlling - PMO provides support and guidance on how to manage projects, trains others in project management tools, and ensures compliance with organizational policies. Has moderate level control over projects
Directive - PMO provides project managers for different projects and is responsible for the results of projects. High level of control over projects
What is opportunity costs?
Costs given up by selecting one project over another.
what are sunk costs?
Costs you have already spent. should not be considered when deciding to continue with a troubled project.
What are theories of X, Y, Z?
Theory X: Managers who accept this theory believe employees are incapable, avoid responsibility and work whenever possible. MICROMANAGERS
Theory Y: Managers who accept this theory believe people are willing to work without supervision and want to achieve. They believe employees can direct their own efforts.
Theory Z - Maslow: motivation is linked to self realization, values and a higher calling.
Ouchi version of Z focuses on the well being of employees and their families. A job for life that takes care of them promotes morale and productivity.
