LO1 Organisational And Project Structure Flashcards
What is an organisational structure?
The environment within the project takes place. Defines the reporting and decision making hierarchy and how project management operates within it.
What are the three kinds of organisational structures?
Functional, project and matrix.
What is a permanent structure and a temporary structure?
A permanent organisation structure is one designed for BAU and is the same as a functional organisational structure.
A temporary structure is one set up for a particular purpose to deliver a project. It can take the form of a matrix style structure or a project style structure.
What is a functional structure?
Think Vigilant.
Most traditional
Projects managed from within a functional department
Prevalent within public sector
Hierarchical form of management
Dual responsbiilities with BAU and projects
What are the benefits of a functional organisation?
- High level of staff flexibility
- Professional home for technical expertise and CPD
- Can react quicker to problems within its remit
What are the disadvantages of functional organisations?
- Client may fall between departments
- Departmental priorities conflict with project priorities
- Client less likely to be primary focus of attention
What is a matrix organisation?
THINK OPERATING MODEL
Most natural form of project organisation.
Supports effective project management by formalising links between projects and BAU.
PMs have project responsibility and draw on resources from organisation
What are the benefits of a matrix organisation?
- Draw on resources across organisation
- Functional departments continue to provide a professional home for tech expertise and CPD
- Consistency of approach across projects (policies, strategy)
What are the disadvantages of matrix organisations?
- sharing resources can lead to conflict
- Team members have divided loyalties
- Functional departments may be reluctant to surrender best personnel
What is a project organisation?
Similar to functional but enables projects to operate outside of a formal functional structure so resources are dedicated to one project.
The team will contain all the resources required
Dedicated project team
What are the advantages of project organisations?
Team members report directly to their PM for line management and PM
Info can be shared easily between team
Comms within team is efficient and less burecratic
What are the disadvantages of a project organisation?
- Project becomes isolated from the bigger picture view
- Temporarily unassigned staff may lack direction and feel frustrated
- They cannot offer continuity in employment
