Governance Flashcards
Features of functional
Functional manager has authority. 2. Work for line manager. 3. Governance adheres to strict departmnetal goals and expertise. 4. Project work is not priority 5. Very hierarchical
Benefits of functional
- Functional manager has authority - clear lines of reporting and accountability 2. Permanent - Low levels of change means stable, mature teams meaning allows for organisational learning
- Maintains cohort of skilled staff who are experts in field which is valuable where capability needs to be maintained (e.g. fire)
negatives of functional
- Inflexible and unable to adopt project working. Projects only happen if at team manager level
- Does not provide variety which can affect motivation. staff have no visibility of potential opportunities n other parts of organisation
- Can lead to under-utilisation due to lack of flexibility across functions
Features of project
Once finished, ceases to exist, work directly for PM, governance requires robust management methodologies and alignment with strategic objectives
Benefits of project
- PM clearly in charge and staff can identify this authority easily
- Easy to identify clear roles and responsibilities - no need for complicated and expensive systems to facilitate staff
- Very clear focus on project deliverables and not distracted by line management responsibilities
Negatives of project
- Little or no career progression and job security limited to duration of the project
- Each project recruits own resource - which can cause duplication or under-utilisation
- All experience leaves organisation once project finished
Matrix features
- Draws resources from across the business, is a combination of project and functional
- Staff work for own line managers and report to them day-today
- Project wor carried out through pm utilising staff from across the business on an as needed basis
Flexible structures like consultancy use this, blending functional and projects based organisation necessitating clear governance policies to handle dual reporting relationships
Often requires defined protocols for conflict resolution and shared responsibility
matrix benefits
- Visibility of resource skills and availability across the org. so PM can see where potential resources may reside
- Specialist skills are maintained, when one project finishes, staff move on to others - can be balanced against pastoral needs of staff
- Change focused with BAU running in the background
Matrix limitations
- Need sophisticated resource management culture, otherwise potential team members are unknown and invisible to PM
- Staff members can find their priorities are conflicting between project and line manager
- Can be complex for PM , need to ensure they are good communicator and can influence others to get the job none
Differences between PM and sponsor
Relationship with team, for delivering the project and outputs works, with funding provided and reports, escalating issues. Sponsor develops business case, secures funding, supports PM
Organisational governance
PM will refer to guidelines and rules that will steer actions
Project governance
PMP, incorporates aspects of org gov
Why is governance required?
- Supports effective delivery by ensuring PM can substantiate progress. 2. Compliance and conformance, ensures meeting specified requirements, following processes. 3. Helps monitor and control by establishing clear decision gates. 4. Ensures alignment with org rules, vision, strategy. 5. Provides clear roles and responsibility, decisions must have acceptance from sponsor
Types if governance
- Policies provides operational guidelines (e.g travel) 2. Regulations (more specific, give confidence to stakeholders, adhere to internal standards and external, legal guidelines) 3. Processes, procedures and functions. (Set at org level, represent standardised methodology of PM-Ing4. Delegated responsibilities 9clear understanding of each role, RACI/RAM used to set expectations
Impact and limitations on governance
Impact of governance framework, limits of financial authority, impact of lifecycle
