Project Management Chapter 3 Questions

Identify and briefly describe the three forms of organizing projects using the matrix management approach.

(1) Weak matrix; (2) Balanced matrix; (3) Strong matrix.

There are strong connections among project management structure, organizational culture, and project success. T/F

TRUE

High levels of stress and dysfunctional conflict are disadvantages of a(n) _________ organization.

matrix

In a(n) ________ system, there are usually two chains of command, one along functional lines and the other along project lines.

matrix

The personality of an organization is a simple explanation of ___________.

organizational culture

Identify and briefly describe at least two advantages and two disadvantages of organizing projects within the functional organization.

Advantages include no alteration in the design or operation of the parent organization, flexibility in use of staf, in-depth expertise, and easy post-project transition. Disadvantages include lack of focus, poor integration, longer project duration and lack of motivation and ownership.

Identify and briefly describe at least two advantages and two disadvantages of organizing project teams as dedicated project teams.

Advantages include simplicity, shorter project duration, strong cohesiveness of project team members and cross-functional integration. Disadvantages include high cost, internal strife, limited technological expertise and difficult post-project transition.

_________ organization is a hybrid form in which a horizontal project management structure is "overlaid" in the normal functional hierarchy. A. Functional B. Matrix C. Project D. Balanced E. Neutral

B. Matrix

Which structure would be most appropriate for developing a new, highly innovative product that has strict time constraints? A. Functional organization B. Balanced matrix C. Dedicated project team D. Strong matrix E. Weak matrix

C. Dedicated project team

Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which management focuses on outcomes rather than on techniques and processes used to achieve those outcomes? A. Risk tolerance B. Reward criteria C. Conflict tolerance D. Means versus end orientation E. Open-systems focus

D. Means versus end orientation

Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which groups within the organization are encouraged to operate in a coordinated or independent manner? A. Member identity B. Team emphasis C. Managerial focus D. Unit integration E. Control

D. Unit integration

Elizabeth is considering how to structure a project team that will not directly disrupt ongoing operations. The project needs to be done quickly and a high level of motivation will be needed in order to do that. For this situation, the ______ organization would be the best choice. A. Functional B. Balanced matrix C. Weak matrix D. Strong matrix E. Projectized

E. Projectized

MegaComputers Inc., has assigned a project manager for each of the five new- product teams. The managers, as well as the project team members, work on the projects on a full-time basis. The structure being used is ________ organization. A. Functional B. Balanced matrix C. Weak matrix D. Strong matrix E. Projectized

E. Projectized

Identify and briefly describe three of the 10 primary characteristics of organizational culture.

Member identity, team emphasis, management focus, unit integration, unit integration, control, risk tolerance, reward criteria, conflict tolerance, means vs. end orientation and open system focus.

A disadvantage of using the functional form of project management structure is that projects generally take longer to complete. T/F

TRUE

The ________ matrix form of project organization can achieve better equilibrium between technical and project requirements, but it is a very delicate system to create and manage.

balanced

The cultural characteristic that refers to the degree to which employees are encouraged to air conflicts and criticisms openly is known as ___________.

conflict tolerance

Organization ________ refers to a system of shared norms, beliefs, values, and assumptions which bind people together, thereby creating shared meanings.

culture

Research suggests that there is a strong connection between project management structure, organizational ________, and project success.

culture

In which of the following is the balance of authority strongly in favor of the functional managers? A. Weak matrix B. Balanced matrix C. Strong matrix D. Matrix E. Neutral matrix

A. Weak matrix

Which of the following is a disadvantage of a projectized organization? A. It is expensive B. Longer project duration C. Poor integration D. High complexity E. Lack of focus on the project

A. It is expensive

A project team that operates with a full-time project manager as a separate unit from the rest of the organization is structured using ________ organization. A. Functional B. Balanced matrix C. Weak matrix D. Strong matrix E. Projectized

E. Projectized

There are often considerable differences in how projects are managed within certain firms, even if the same project management structure is being used. Explain.

Many researchers attribute these diferences to the organizational culture. The organizational culture reflects the personality of the organization.

Within a matrix project management structure, the extent to which the project manager has direct authority over project participants depends on whether the matrix is weak, balanced, or strong. T/F

TRUE

The cultural characteristic that refers to the degree to which rewards such as promotion and salary increases are allocated according to employee performance rather than seniority, favoritism, or other nonperformance factors is known as _____________.

reward criteria

The cultural characteristic that refers to the degree to which employees are encouraged to be aggressive, innovative, and risk seeking is known as _____________.

risk tolerance

A matrix in which the balance of authority is strongly on the side of the project manager is described as __________.

strong

The ________ matrix form of project organization is likely to enhance project integration, diminish internal power struggles, and ultimately improve control of project activities and costs.

strong

The more autonomy and authority the project manager and project team need to be successful, the more appropriate a dedicated project team or a(n) ________ matrix structure is to manage the project.

strong

No radical alteration in the design or operation of the parent organization is a major advantage of __________ organization.

functional

The approach to project management that uses the existing hierarchy of the organization to manage projects is ___________ organization.

functional

When three forms of the matrix project management structure are considered, all share the same advantages and disadvantages and at an equal level. T/F

FALSE

A matrix project management structure is a hybrid organizational form in which a horizontal project management structure is "overlaid" on the normal functional hierarchy. T/F

TRUE

Certain aspects of the culture of an organization support successful project management while other aspects deter or interfere with effective management.

TRUE

In the projectized form of project management structure, there is limited technological expertise when compared to the functional or matrix organization. T/F

TRUE

The matrix form of project management structure is a good choice when resource usage needs to be optimized by having individuals work on multiple projects while still performing functional duties. T/F

TRUE

The projectized form of project management structure is a good choice when speed of completion is important and the project needs to be implemented without directly disrupting ongoing operations. T/F

TRUE

There are often considerable differences in how projects are managed within certain firms, even when similar project management structures are being used. T/F

TRUE

Unit integration is the cultural characteristic that refers to the degree to which units within the organization are encouraged to operate in a coordinated or independent manner. T/F

TRUE

The ________ structure is designed to optimally utilize resources by having individuals work on multiple projects as well as being capable of performing normal functional duties.

matrix

A matrix in which the balance of authority is strongly on the side of the functional manager is described as _________.

weak

The ________ matrix form of project organization is likely to improve technical quality as well as provide a better system for managing conflict across projects because the functional manager assigns personnel to different projects.

weak

Factors in identifying cultural characteristics include all the following EXCEPT A. Norms. B. Customs. C. Values. D. Attitude. E. All of these are factors in identifying cultural characteristics.

D. Attitude.

Describe the difference between a "strong" or "thick" culture and a "thin" or "weak" culture.

"Strong" or "thick" are adjectives used to denote a culture in which the organization's core values and customs are widely shared within the entire organization. Conversely, a "thin" or "weak" culture is one that is not widely shared or practiced within a firm.

Briefly describe two ways to diagnose the culture of an organization and give an example of each.

(1) Study the physical characteristics of an organization; (2) Read about the organization; (3) Observe how people interact within the organization; (4) Interpret stories and folklore surrounding the organization.

Bill is working on a project involving the upgrading of a management information system. The project is being managed by the information systems department with the coordination of other departments occurring through normal channels. He is working in a _________ organization. A. Functional B. Balanced matrix C. Weak matrix D. Strong matrix E. Projectized

A. Functional

The structure that manages projects within the existing organizational structure is __________ organization. A. Functional B. Balanced matrix C. Weak matrix D. Strong matrix E. Projectized

A. Functional

Which of the following is NOT true regarding organizing projects within a matrix arrangement? A. Its flexibility supports a strong project focus that helps alleviate stress among project team members B. It is designed to optimally utilize resources by having individuals work on multiple projects as well as being capable of performing normal functional duties C. There are usually two chains of command D. Provides a dual focus between functional/technical expertise and project requirements that is missing in either the project team or the functional approach E. It is a hybrid form of organization that combines characteristics of both dedicated project teams and functional organization

A. Its flexibility supports a strong project focus that helps alleviate stress among project team members

Which of the following is an advantage of a functional project management organization? A. Maximum flexibility in the use of staff B. Good integration across functional units C. Shorter project duration D. Strong motivation of project team members E. Longer project duration

A. Maximum flexibility in the use of staff

Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which employees identify with the organization as a whole rather than with their type of job or field of professional expertise? A. Member identity B. Team emphasis C. Managerial focus D. Unit integration E. Control

A. Member identity

Organizational culture is best explained as organizational A. Personality. B. Hierarchy. C. Reporting relationships. D. Background. E. Management style.

A. Personality.

Who is responsible for determining how tasks will be done in a weak matrix project management structure? A. The functional manager B. The project manager C. Both the functional manager and the project manager are responsible D. There is no rule established for who takes responsibility E. This is negotiated

A. The functional manager

Identify and briefly describe at least two advantages and two disadvantages of organizing project teams using the matrix management approach.

Advantages include high efficiency, strong project focus, easier post- project transition and flexibility. Disadvantages include dysfunctional conflict, infighting, high levels of stress, and longer project duration

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.

B. Expensive.

The functional project team is usually physically separated from the parent organization and given the primary directive of accomplishing the objectives of the project. T/F

FALSE

Which of the following is NOT true 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

C. In selecting a management structure, the culture of the organization is not a huge consideration

Which organization's culture is NOT a culture a project manager has to be able to operate in or interact with? A. The culture of their parent organization B. The culture of government and regulatory agencies C. The culture of vendors and subcontractors D. The culture of the project's customer or client E. All of these are cultures a project manager has to be able to operate in or interact with

E. All of these are cultures a project manager has to be able to operate in or interact with

In a balanced matrix form of project management, the project manager is responsible for defining what needs to be accomplished while the functional managers are concerned with how it will be accomplished. T/F

TRUE

What is more important for project success, the formal project management structure or the culture of the parent organization?

The culture of the parent organization is more important than the formal project management structure. The project management structure should derive from the culture of the organization. The culture should reveal what types of projects the organization will do and in turn will be reflected by the project management structure.

A high level of motivation and the tendency for projects to get done more quickly are benefits of using the ________ organizational approach to project management.

projectized

Firms where projects are the dominant form of business and the entire organization is designed to support project teams are usually structured as a(n) _________organization.

projectized

High project costs and difficult post-project transition are two evident weaknesses of a(n) __________ organization.

projectized

Which of the following combinations represents the extremes of project organization? A. Strong matrix and balanced matrix B. Functional and projectized C. Projectized and balanced matrix D. Projectized and strong matrix E. Strong matrix and functional

B. Functional and projectized

Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which work activities are organized around groups rather than individuals? A. Member identity B. Team emphasis C. Managerial focus D. Unit integration E. Control

B. Team emphasis

All of the following are functions culture plays in an organization EXCEPT A. It provides a sense of identity. B. It helps legitimize the management system. C. It replaces the need for a project selection process. D. It helps create social order. E. It clarifies and reinforces standards of behavior.

C. It replaces the need for a project selection process.

The projectized form of project management structure is 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. T/F

FALSE

While organization culture is important to the overall function of an organization, it has minor influence on its project management. T/F

FALSE

Control is the cultural characteristic that refers to the degree to which management decisions take into account the effect of outcomes on people within the organization. T/F

FALSE (Management focus)

Generally, the more autonomy and authority the project manager and the project team need to be successful, the more appropriate to implement either a dedicated project team or a strong project management structure. T/F

TRUE

One of the major disadvantages of the projectized form of project management structure is that it tends to be more expensive than other forms of organization. T/F

TRUE

Two of the major disadvantages of the ________ organizational approach are that projects may lack focus and it can take longer to complete projects.

functional

When most of the project work can be done within a specified department and any coordination with other departments can be done easily through normal management channels, ___________ organization is most appropriate.

functional

The cultural characteristic that refers to the degree to which the organization monitors and responds to changes in the external environment is known as ___________.

open-systems focus

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantage of a weak project management structure and a strong project management structure.

The strong matrix is likely to enhance project integration, diminish internal power struggles and improve control. However, technical quality may suffer. The weak matrix is likely to improve technical quality and provide better conflict management; however, there may be poor project integration.

Which are the three diferent 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

C. Weak, Strong, Balanced

Culture performs several important functions in organizations. Clarifying and reinforcing standards of behavior is one of these. Explain and provide an example.

Culture defines what is permissible and what inappropriate behavior is. These standards span a wide range of behavior from dress code and working hours to challenging the judgment of superiors.

________ project teams should be used for urgent projects in which the nature of the work requires people working steadily from beginning to end.

Dedicated

Organizational culture refers to a system of shared norms, beliefs, values, and assumptions which bind people together. T/F

TRUE

From the list below, which is NOT a primary characteristic of organizational culture? A. Control B. Team emphasis C. Profitability D. Conflict tolerance E. Risk tolerance

C. Profitability

Which of the following is a disadvantage of functional project management organization? A. Lack of motivation of project team members B. Longer project duration C. Lack of focus on the project D. Poor integration E. All of these are disadvantages of functional project management organization

E. All of these are disadvantages of functional project management organization

How does someone learn more about an organization's culture? A. Read about the organization B. Interpret stories about the organization C. Observe how people interact within the organization D. Study the physical characteristics of the organization E. All of these are examples of how someone can learn more about an organization's culture

E. All of these are examples of how someone can learn more about an organization's culture

At the project level, which of the following is a factor that should influence the choice of project management structure? A. The size of the project B. The novelty of the project C. Budget and time constraints D. The strategic importance of the project E. All of these are factors that should influence the choice of project management structure

E. All of these are factors that should influence the choice of project management structure

All of the following are organizational considerations when determining the right project management structure EXCEPT A. How important project management is to the success of the organization B. What percentage of core work involves projects C. Resource availability D. Assess current practices and determine any changes that are needed to more efectively manage projects E. Budget constraints

E. Budget constraints

Which of the following cultural characteristic relates to the degree to which rules, policies, and direct supervision are used to oversee and control employee behavior? A. Member identity B. Team Emphasis C. Managerial focus D. Unit integration E. Control

E. Control

As discussed in the text, the three forms of matrix project management are weak, mixed, and strong. T/F

FALSE

One advantage of a matrix project management structure is that it is fast and easy to implement. T/F

FALSE

Member identity refers to the degree to which work activities are organized around groups rather than individuals. T/F

FALSE (Team emphasis)

The matrix form of project management is notable for the tension it creates between functional managers and project managers who both bring critical expertise and perspectives to the project. T/F

TRUE

When determining the most appropriate project management structure, considerations need to be made at the organizational level and at the project level. T/F

TRUE

Conflict tolerance, risk tolerance, reward criteria and unit integration are all examples of cultural __________.

characteristics