Examining the Project Life Cycle and the Organization

Question 1

functional structure

Answer 1

An organizational structure that groups staff members according to their area of expertise (sales, marketing, construction, and so on). Functional structures require the project team members to report directly to the functional manager.

Question 2

key management skills

Answer 2

The effective project manager will have experience, or guidance, in the general management skills. These include leading the project team; communicating project information; negotiating project terms and conditions; active problem solving; and, influencing the organization.

Question 3

kill point

Answer 3

The end of the project phase where the project can be terminated on the basis of the experiences of the previous phase or the outcome of the project phase.

Question 4

matrix structure

Answer 4

An organizational structure. There are three matrix structures: weak, balanced, and strong. The different structures are reflective of the project manager’s authority in relation to the functional manager’s authority.

Question 5

product life cycle

Answer 5

As a general rule, the product life cycle is the cradle-to-grave ongoing work of the product. Projects affecting the product are just blips on the radar screen of the whole product life cycle.

Question 6

project life cycle

Answer 6

The duration of the project, composed of all the individual project phases within the project.

Question 7

project office

Answer 7

If a PMO exists for the organization, it’s considered a stakeholder of the project because it supports the project managers and is responsible for the project’s success.

Question 8

project phases

Answer 8

Projects are broken down into manageable sections. A project phase is the logical segmentation of the work to an identifiable point within the project. Phases can be viewed as completion of work to a specified date, the actual completion of work, or other milestone.

Question 9

projectized structure

Answer 9

An organizational structure structure where the project manager has the greatest amount of authority. The project team is assigned to the project on a full-time basis. When the project is complete, the project team members move on to other assignments within the organization.

Question 10

stakeholders

Answer 10

The individuals, groups, and communities that have a vested interest in the outcome of a project. Examples include the project manager, the project team, the project sponsor, customers, clients, vendors, and communities.