Chpt 3 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the factors causing the rapid growth in the use of projects?
- Need for speed
- Market responsiveness
- Product flexibility
- Broader areas of knowledge in developing new products and services
- Rapid expansion of technological possibilities
- Management’s inability to understand and control large numbers of activities
These factors highlight the increasing complexity and demand for effective project management in modern organizations.
What are the organizational issues in project management?
- Tying a project to the parent firm
- Organizing the project
- Organizing activities common to multiple projects
Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring successful project outcomes and integration with overall organizational goals.
What are the characteristics of a functional organization?
- Hierarchical structure
- Functional silos
- Specialization
- Vertical and disconnected communication
- Highly formal reporting system and authority
These characteristics can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of project execution within a functional organization.
What are the advantages of organizing projects within a functional organization?
- No changes to the existing organizational structure
- Maximum flexibility in the use of staff
- Experts can be utilized in many different projects
- Specialists can be grouped to share knowledge and experience
- Functional division serves as a base of technological continuity
- Easy post-project transition
These advantages make functional organization appealing for specific project types.
What are the disadvantages of organizing projects within a functional organization?
- Client is not the focus of the activity
- Functional units tend to be oriented toward their specific activities
- Poor integration due to lack of full responsibility
- Slow and arduous response to client needs
- Tendency to sub-optimize the project
- Lack of ownership and motivation
- Holistic approach to the project is not facilitated
These disadvantages can lead to inefficiencies and challenges in meeting project goals.
What defines dedicated project teams?
- Operate as units separate from the rest of the parent organization
- Full-time project manager designated
- Core group of specialists work full-time on the project
- Project manager recruits personnel from within and outside the company
- Focus on projects and processes within them
Dedicated teams are essential for projects requiring focused attention and resources.
What are the advantages of organizing projects as dedicated teams?
- Simple and flexible
- Fast decisions
- Short lines of communication
- Unity of command
- Project manager has full authority
- Strong and separate identity
- Cross-functional integration
These advantages support efficient project execution and effective team dynamics.
What are the disadvantages of organizing projects as dedicated teams?
- Expensive
- Duplication in staffing
- Stockpiling
- Workers may fall behind in other areas of technical expertise
- Inconsistency in policies and procedures
- Limited technical expertise
- Concerns about life after project completion
These disadvantages highlight the potential challenges of dedicated project teams.
What characterizes matrix organizations in project management?
- Hybrid organizational form
- Horizontal project management structure overlaid on functional hierarchy
- Two chains of command (functional and project)
- Project participants report to both functional and project managers
- Aims to maximize resource use and flexibility
Matrix organizations can enhance resource efficiency but introduce complexity in authority.
What are the advantages of organizing projects within a matrix structure?
- Project is the point of emphasis
- Access to entire organization for labor and technology
- Rapid response to client needs
- Better balance of resources
- Great organizational flexibility
These advantages make matrix structures effective for complex projects requiring diverse inputs.
What are the disadvantages of organizing projects within a matrix structure?
- Dysfunctional conflict
- Delicate power balance
- Projects compete for resources
- Complex division of authority and responsibility
- Violates unity of command principle
- Slow decision-making
These disadvantages can complicate project management and team dynamics.
What is the role of a Project Management Office (PMO)?
- Centralized unit overseeing project execution
- Helps matrix systems mature
- Establishes and enforces good practices
- Improves project management systems
- Offers training and administrative support
PMOs are crucial for enhancing project delivery and organizational efficiency.
What are the tasks of a PMO?
- Establish and enforce good practices
- Improve maturity
- Improve project management systems
- Offer training
- Help with administrative details
- Establish a process for dealing with risk
- Conduct project reviews and audits
- Maintain project archives
- Serve as a champion for project management
- Assist in project closure
These tasks ensure effective project oversight and continuous improvement.
What factors influence organizational culture?
- Shared norms
- Beliefs
- Values
- Assumptions
Organizational culture significantly impacts project management practices and team dynamics.
What are the steps to identify cultural characteristics of an organization?
- Study physical characteristics of the organization
- Read about the organization (e.g., mission statement)
- Observe interactions within the organization
- Interpret stories and folklore surrounding the organization
These steps help uncover the underlying cultural dynamics affecting project management.
