Exam 13: Project Management Organizational Structures

In , the project organization is highly responsive to the customer.

In , the objective is to maximize the number of functional person-hours applied to work on projects and minimize the unapplied time.

also facilitates information flow.

Because they have a functional home in , individuals can be moved among projects.

In , each project is operated like a mini-company.

In , projects are continually being completed and started.

is customer focused.

In , employees work on multiple projects at any given time.

provides checks-and-balances and a fast response upon problem identification because it has both a horizontal project) and a vertical functional) path for the flow of information.

In , the project manager is the intermediary between the company and the customer.

In , the project manager also needs to take the time to regularly update the other functional managers in the company on the status of the project and thank them for the support of their people assigned to the task force.

In , all the resources needed to accomplish each project are assigned full-time to work on that project.

work groups consist of individuals who perform the same function, such as engineering or manufacturing.

A disadvantage of a functional organizational structure is that teamwork is emphasized, with much cross fertilization of ideas among functions.

Each concentrates on performing its own activities in support of the company's business mission.

A disadvantage of a matrix organizational structure is that conflicts will arise between project managers and functional managers regarding priorities.

A disadvantage of an autonomous project organizational structure is that it can be cost-inefficient because of underutilization of resources.

provides for effective utilization of company resources.

is typically used in businesses that primarily sell and produce standard products.For example, a company that manufactures and sells video recorders.

In , each project team is dedicated to only one project.