Understand How Organisations And Projects Are Structured Flashcards
What is a functional organisational structure?
Generally seen as the most traditional of the organisational structures. It is likely to be based upon a division of responsibilities. Projects are normally managed from within one of the functional departments. These types of organisations are commonly seen in the public sector. Some features include:
- hierarchical form of management
- functional managers may have project and line management responsibility
What is a matrix organisational structure?
Considered to be the most natural form of project organisation. Attempts to support effective PM by formalising links between projects and the organisation’s specialist functions.
This is like the police operating model. Sharing resources.
What is an organisational breakdown structure?
It shows either the skills or the people required to undertake the work packages defined on the work breakdown structure and forms the basis of the project team structure.
You can then produce a responsibility assignment matrix.
How is an organisational breakdown structure used to create a responsibility assignment matrix?
You cross reference between tasks on the work breakdown structure and the staff on the organisation breakdown structure.
The RAM consists of a RACI chart.
Sometimes the nominees for the RACI may not be on the organisation breakdown structure so the organisation breakdown structure should be updated.
What is the role of a project manager?
- Plans project
- Allocates work
- Reviews progress
- Reports to executive and steering group
What are the differences between the responsibilities of a project manager and a project sponsor?
- Sponsor owns the business case - manager delivers objectives
- Sponsor provides the funding - manager manages the budget
- Sponsor chairs steering group whereas the manager reports into it.
Who are the users?
They are individuals or bodies for who the project’s products are created. They specific acceptance criteria and undertake the acceptance test.
Who are the project team members?
Individuals, groups or organisation responsible to PM. They undertake project tasks and report to PM. They also check quality as part of build process.
Who are the project steering group?
They make key decisions with sponsor, monitor progress, provide advice and approve major changes.
Who is the product owner?
Guides direction of product, provide feedback and they rank work based on business value.
What are the types of project office?
Embedded PMO
Central PMO
Hub and spoke PMO
What is an embedded PMO and why would you use one?
When a project has a dedicated PMO = embedded.
Advantages are:
- As they are an integral part of the team, it can respond quickly to requirements for specialist advice and support.
- Effective on large projects that needs lots of support.
What is a central PMO and why would you use one?
A central PMO is where a PMO is located outside of the project team. They support multiple projects. Advantages are:
- Consistency
- Improved project governance and control
- Knowledge sharing and lessons learned
- Increased project success rates.
What is a hub and spoke PMO and why would you use one?
Hybrid PMO which consists of a central PMO (hub) and multiple decentralised PMOs (spokes) within the organisation.
The central PMO focuses on strategic planning, portfolio management and providing overall direction and governance.
The decentralised PMOs are responsible for the day to day management of projects within heir departments.
Why are aspects of project management governance required? Give examples of such governance
- They provide a clear link to strategic direction
- Clear ownership and leadership
- Effective stakeholder engagement
