Chapter 14 - Project organisation structure and integration

Question 1

What is shown by organisational structures?

Answer 1

• Organisational activities, divisions and sub-divisions
• Management hierarchy and reporting lines
• Official authority lines and communication lines

Question 2

What is a formal organisational structure

Answer 2

The traditional structure, think flow diagram with management on top and low paying employees at bottom

Question 3

Name four aspects on which the organisational structure depends

Answer 3

• Organisation’s goals
• Type of work
• Available resources
• Economic and demographic environment

Question 4

Organisations based on ______ structure themselves according to specific needs

Answer 4

Differentiation

Question 5

Describe the basis on which an organisation can differentiate itself

Answer 5

• Functional
• Geographic
• Product
• Customer
• Process

Question 6

Name the two levels on which project integration occurs

Answer 6

• Subunits in projects

- Liaison of roles and teams

Question 7

Describe pure project organisations

Answer 7

• Structure is committed towards specific project
• Pure project manager: only on this project
• Taps from internal resources and team

Question 8

Name three variations of pure project organisations

Answer 8

• Project centre
• Partial project
• Stand alone project

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of pure project organisations?

Answer 9

• Higher cost
• No functional managers: no emphasis on competency development
• Strictly temporary: no commitment of employment after project

Question 10

What is a matrix organisation?

Answer 10

Functional organisation with the ability to cross functionally tap from resources throughout the organisation. Features a central point for project control

Question 11

What are the benefits of using matrix organisations?

Answer 11

• Combined horizontal and vertical integration
• Functional managers have a say
• Project managers also have a say

Question 12

What are the two main drawbacks of using matrix organisations?

Answer 12

• Power conflicts

- Project support and resources confused by different levels of authority

Question 13

What are the criteria for selecting an organisation form for a project?

Answer 13

• Frequency of new projects
• Duration of projects
• Size of projects
• Complexity of relationships

Question 14

What is the project office?

Answer 14

Office from which planning, directing and controlling of activities is done

Question 15

What is the project MANAGEMENT office?

Answer 15

Project office becomes project management office when it must coordinate multiple projects in large organisations link integration between projects and management.