LO1 - Structure and breakdowns Flashcards
What are the three types of organisational structure?
Functional (Permanent)(2), Matrix (both temporary and permanent)(1), Project (temporary)(2)
What is a functional organisational structure?
1 manager has responsibility for line management and project work. Cross function projects require co-ordination of multiple function managers. (5)
What is a project organisational structure?
Each project is resourced to match the project, has a dedicated project team and project manager (who has both line and project responsibilities.) (5)
What is a matrix organisational structure?
The PM has responsibility to deliver the project (1), and the functional manager has the responsibility for maintaining and developing the functional capability and utilisation of people across multiple projects and BAU activities. (2) Functional resources are assigned to the project and expect to have functional and project responsibilities(2)
What are the pros/cons in the role of a project manager in a functional organisation?
Pro
SME specialists involved in project(2)
Cons:
Cross functional project, PM relies on the functions and has generally low influence over them. (2)
SMEs may get distracted by BAU(1)
What are the pros/cons in the role of a project manager in a Matrix organisation?
Pro
The PM has authority over team members for the project duration. (2)
Project benefits from PM direction and Line manager input.(1)
Con
Need to negotiate with functional managers to obtain team members(2)
What are the pros/cons in the role of a project manager in a Project organisation?
Pro
The PM has authority over a dedicated team (and is their line manager also).(2)
Strong team can be developed who are focused solely on the project.(2)
Cons
May have a lack of SMEs available.(1)
What are the pros of resource management in a functional organisation?
Pro
Maintain skilled staff who are experts in their field (2), ensuring capability.(1)
Retains corporate knowledge and facilitate CI.(2)
What are the pros of resource management in a Matrix organisation?
Pro
Flexible use of resource (PM can call on functional expertise when required)(2), allowing resource to return to function when not needed.(1)
PM has visibility of resource skills and where they reside.(2)
What are the pros/cons of resource management in a Project organisation?
Pro
Staff directly allocated to the project. (1)
Skills can be recruited to align with the specific needs of the project.(2)
Con
External hires, and can be less flexible due to a fixed duration of employment.(2)
What are the pros/cons from the employee’s view in a Functional organisation?
Pro
Staff are developed in their roles and are able to use skills. (2)
Career path within functional area is clear (1)
Con
Work they perform is limited by functional constraints (1).
What are the pros/cons from the employee’s view in a Matrix organisation?
Pro
Variety of work moving between function and projects, Adding in growth.(1)
Return to function when project complete(1)
Have two managers to provide support and advice(1)
Con
Conflict from having two managers(1)
Risk of high workload demands.(1)
What are the pros/cons from the employee’s view in a Project organisation?
Pro
Focused on clear goal and work together autonomously(2)
Con
Due to temporary nature, can lead to job insecurity(1)
Staff may not be developed and lose currency in their specialist skillset.(2)
What are the pros/cons from the Client’s view in a Functional organisation?
Pro
Access to wide skillset(1)
Con
Lack of clarity regarding project status and progress (2), due to PM needing to contact multiple function managers.(2)
What are the pros/cons from the Client’s view in a Matrix organisation?
Pro
Single point of contact (PM) with wide range of skills capability and capacity(2), which increases client confidence.(1)
Con
PM needs to negotiate with functional managers when additional work is needed (1) to gain necessary resources.(1)
