Deck 15: Project Organizational Structure and Integration

Question 1

In a project that is very large, complex, involves considerable risk, and is long-duration, which form of project is probably the best:

A) a single function task force or team
B) a multifunctional task force or a permanent matrix
C) a pure project or a project center
D) none of the above

Answer 1

a pure project or a project center

Question 2

In an organization that is constantly involved in projects that require the full time efforts of several functional departments, which form of project is probably the best:

A) a single function task force or team
B) a permanent matrix
C) a pure project or a project center
D) none of the above

Answer 2

a permanent matrix

Question 3

Which of the following are true about the traditional form of organization (circle all that apply):

A) often, no one individual is directly responsible when a cross-functional effort is needed
B) it does not provide project-oriented emphasis
C) communication channels are vertical and well-established
D) it provides for rapid responses to changing markets and customer needs

Answer 3

often, no one individual is directly responsible when a cross-functional effort is needed
it does not provide project-oriented emphasis
communication channels are vertical and well-established

Question 4

Properties inherent to all project organizations include (circle all that apply):

A) integration of subunits is achieved primarily through rules, procedures, and the chain of command
B) organization structures tend to be suited to the unique requirements of the project
C) the is no focal person who oversees the work effort
D) subunits are integrated through horizontal relationships

Question 5

Which of the following are true about matrix organizations (circle all that apply):

A) the functional organization is the repository (storehouse) for human resources used by the matrix
B) the term "matrix" is a misnomer since this form of structure looks the same as a traditional functional organization
C) workers continue to associate with their functional colleagues, which helps keep them current and from getting overspecialized
D) each worker in the matrix has only one manager

Question 6

The project office (circle all that apply):

A) is a support group that assists the project manager
B) is a form of project organization similar to a task force
C) supervises the day-to-day work of the project
D) coordinates and integrates the efforts of all functional areas and subcontractors in the project

Question 7

Integration in projects involves (circle all that apply):

A) integrating the functional areas of the organization to achieve project goals
B) integrating the phases of the project so that issues concerning later phases are considered in decisions made in early phases
C) treating the functional areas as autonomous units to minimize extraneous influence
D) managing the phases of the project as a series of completely independent subprojects.

Question 8

A concurrent engineering team might include members from (circle all that apply):

A) suppliers
B) various functional departments
C) the customer
D) middle and lower level management

Question 9

A good concurrent engineering team (circle all that apply):

A) has members that share a single office or work in close proximity
B) relies on scheduled, formal meetings for communication and decision making
C) is expected to work on mostly one aspect of the project, such as marketing or cost analysis
D) has continually changing membership throughout the project (members enter and leave as the project moves through different phases)

Question 10

A heavyweight development team (circle all that apply):

A) is larger and has more members than most other teams
B) has a project manager who has strong influence and organizational clout
C) controls the resources it needs to get the job done
D) is an example of one kind of pure-project organization

Question 11

Statement: When a project is too small to set up a full time project group, a task force may be set up to handle it.

Question 12

Statement: There is really no such thing as an organization that is ideal for all situations and kinds of work.

Question 13

Statement: In organizations that use the pure project form of structure there tends to be duplication of effort.

Question 14

Statement: In a matrix organization the project manager must get technical and human resources from the functional managers.

Question 15

Statement: The extent to which organizational subunits interact, coordinate, and mutually adjust their actions to reach organizational goals is called "integration."

Question 16

Statement: A project expeditor typically has more authority than, say, the project manager of a pure project organization.

Question 17

Statement: In projects that involve several contractors and subcontractors, the task of integration may be assigned to one of the contractors.

Question 18

Statement: The traditional approach to systems development where each phase of the project is handled by a different functional area is an example of integrated systems development.

Question 19

Statement: Integrated systems development helps minimize the number of change requests.

Question 20

Statement: A cross-functional team includes people primarily from one area of specialization or business function.

Question 21

Statement: Concurrent engineering means that all phases of a project happen at the same time.

Question 22

Statement: Concurrent engineering teams work on only engineering matters.