Which are the three different matrix systems discussed in the text?
A.
Functional, Weak, Strong
B.
Balanced, Functional, Projectized
C.
Weak, Strong, Balanced
D.
Neutral, Weak, Strong
E.
Functional, Neutral, Projectized
Chapter 03
Organization: Structure and Culture
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Organizational culture is best explained as organizational
A. Personality.
B.
Hierarchy.
C. Reporting relationships.
D. Background.
E. Management style.
2. Which of the following is NOTtrue of project management structures?
A. They provide a framework for launching and implementing
projects
B. They appropriately balance the needs of both the parent organization and the project
C. In selecting a management structure, the culture of the organization is not a huge consideration
D. The project itself should be considered when determining which structure is best
E. They help determine who
has most authority in regard to managing the project
3. All of the following are disadvantages of organizing projects within a matrix arrangement EXCEPT
A. Dysfunctional conflict between functional managers and project managers.
B. Expensive.
C. Infighting.
D. Stressful.
E. Longer project duration.
4. The structure that manages projects within the existing organizational structure is_____________________
organization.
It provides a framework for launching and implementing project activities within a parent organization.
Project management system
It is a commonly used when one functional area plays a dominant role in completing the project or has a dominant interest in the success of the project.
Functional organization
Advantages of functional organization
- No Change
- Flexibility
- In-Depth Expertise
- Easy Post-Project Transition
Disadvantages of functional
organization
- Lack of focus
- Poor Integration
- Slow
- Lack of ownership
These teams operate as separate units from the rest of the parent organization
dedicated project teams/Projectized Organization
note1:
Dedicated project teams have full time project manager
Advantages of Projectized Organization
- Simple
- Fast
- Cohesive
- Cross-Functional Integration
-
Disadvantages of Projectized Organization
- Expensive
- Internal Strife
- Limited technology expertise
- Difficult Post-Project Transistion
It is a hybrid organizational form in which a horizontal project management
structure is "overlaid" on the normal functional hierarchy.
- Matrix Management
This form is very similar to a functional approach with the exception that there is formally designated project manager responsible for coordination
project activities. Functional managers are responsible for managing their segment of the project
- Weak Matrix
This is the classic matrix which the project manager is responsible for defining what needs to be accomplished while
the functional managers are concerned with how it will accomplished
- Balanced matrix
- This form attempts to create the "feel" of a project team within a matrix environment
- The project manager controls most aspects of the
project
- Strong Matrix
Advantages of Matrix Management
- Efficient
- Strong
Project Focus
- Easier Post-Project transistion
Disadvantages of Matrix Management
- Dysfunctional Conflict
- Infighting
- Stressful
- Slow
Project consideration
- Size of project
- Strategic importance
- Novelty and need for innovation
- Need for integration
- Environmental Complexity
- Budget and time constraints
- Stability of resource requirements
refers to a system of shared norms, beliefs, values, and assumptions which binds people together, thereby creating shared meaning
- Organizational Culture
10 Characteristics which capture the essence of an organization's culture
- Member Identity
- Team Emphasis
- Management focus
- Unit integration
- Control
- Risk Tolerance
- Reward criteria
- Conflict tolerance
- Means versus end orientation
- Open-Systems focus
the degree to which employees identify with the organization as a whole rather than with their type of job or field of professional expertise
Member Identity
the degree to which work activities are organized around groups rather than individuals
Team Emphasis
the degree to which management decisions take into account the effect of outcomes on people within the
organization
Management focus
the degree to which units within the organization are encourage to operate in a coordinated or interdependent manner
Unit Integration
the degree to which rules, policies, and direct supervision are used to oversee and control employee behaviour
Control
The degree to which employees are encouraged to be aggressive, inovative and risk seeking
Risk Tolerance
the degree to
which reward increases are allocated according to employees performance rather seniority
Reward criteria
the degree to which employees are encouraged to air conflicts and criticisms openly
conflict tolerance
the degree to which management focuses on outcomes rather than on techniques and processes used to achieve those results
means versus end orientation
the degree to which the organization monitors and responds to changes in the external envronment
open-systems focus
Function of organizational culture
- Provides a sense of identity
- helps legitimize the management system
- clarifies and reinforces standards of behaviour
-helps create social order
In which organizational structure does the project manager have the most authority and why?
Strong Matrix Structure
Strong matrix organizations are closer to a projectized organization. The project managers have the highest authority, control over the budget, and a full-time team reporting to them.
What differentiates a weak matrix project management structure from a functional project management structure?
In a weak matrix the authority of the functional manager predominates and the project manager has indirect authority. In a strong matrix the project manager has broader control and functional departments act as subordinate to the project.
Which of the following is a factor that should influence the choice of project management structure?
Its flexibility supports a strong project focus that helps alleviate stress among project team members. At the project level, which of the following is a factor that should influence the choice of project management structure? Organizational culture has a connection to projects.
Which organizational structure or structures do you believe have the best potential for project work why?
Matrix structures are very common because they allow managers to make flexible choices with how people spend their time. You'll likely work in a matrix environment at some point in your career. The advantages of this structure are: Resources are used efficiently and can move around between projects as needed.