Chapter 15.5: Liaison roles, task forces, and teams

Question 1

What is the purpose of the liaison role in project organizations?

Answer 1

To link two or more organization subunits and coordinate efforts, such as notifying purchasing about shortages and tracking orders (e.g., inventory controller).

Question 2

What is a limitation of the liaison role?

Answer 2

It may not fully resolve issues if broader involvement is needed, such as unresolved parts shortages despite liaison intervention.

Question 3

What is a task force?

Answer 3

A temporary group with members from various subunits, formed to address a need or solve a problem—essentially functioning like a short-term project team.

Question 4

How does a task force typically operate?

Answer 4

It meets as needed to solve the problem, then disbands. Effective ones are small (≤10 members), have a leader or coordinator, and are short-lived.

Question 5

What are examples of issues that task forces commonly address?

Answer 5

Company reorganizations

Mergers or acquisitions

Special studies or audits

Cost reduction efforts

Facility relocations

New equipment or procedures

Question 6

What is necessary for a task force to make decisions effectively?

Answer 6

Members must have access to relevant information and authority to commit their functional areas to action.

Question 7

What happens when problems require ongoing attention instead of short-term solutions?

Answer 7

Permanent teams are formed, functioning like task forces but meeting regularly (e.g., for continuous design changes or strategic decisions).

Question 8

What challenges can arise with task forces and teams?

Answer 8

Difficulty in finding people with the needed attitude, availability, or ability to collaborate across functions; over-specialization may limit flexibility.