Unlock document.
This document is partially blurred.
Unlock all pages and 1 million more documents.
Get Access
Exam
Name___________________________________
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1)
Specifications which focus on the origin, flow, and processing of data in a system, but are not tied
to any specific hardware and systems software platform are called:
1)
A)
physical design.
B)
systems design.
C)
systems conversion.
D)
logical design.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
2)
The PMBOK organizes project management processes into ________ groups.
2)
A)
three
B)
six
C)
five
D)
four
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
3)
Scope verification is part of which process group?
3)
A)
Executing
B)
Controlling
C)
Initiating
D)
Planning
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
4)
A document, which lays down product, process, or service characteristics, including the applicable
administrative provisions, with which compliance is mandatory, is called:
4)
A)
agreement.
B)
standard.
C)
regulation.
D)
guideline.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
5)
What is NOT a common organizational structure?
5)
A)
Departmental
B)
Projectized
C)
Matrix
D)
Functional
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
1
6)
Structured systems design that can be broken down into smaller and smaller units for conversion
into instructions written in a programming language is called:
6)
A)
systems conversion.
B)
systems design.
C)
logical design.
D)
physical design.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
7)
The five phases of the systems development (in the correct order) are:
7)
A)
planning and selection, analysis, implementation, design, and maintenance.
B)
planning and selection, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.
C)
analysis, planning and selection, design, implementation, and maintenance.
D)
planning and selection, design, analysis, maintenance, and implementation.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
8)
The phases of managing a project are called:
8)
A)
project management life cycle.
B)
project management phase model.
C)
project life cycle.
D)
systems development life cycle.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
9)
The technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic time to calculate the expected time for
a particular task is called:
9)
A)
PERT.
B)
OPR technique.
C)
PORT.
D)
expected time technique.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
10)
What is NOT characteristic of a network diagram?
10)
A)
A network diagram visually shows the duration of tasks.
B)
A network diagram shows slack time within activity rectangles.
C)
A network diagram visually shows the sequence dependencies between tasks.
D)
A network diagram shows which tasks can be done in parallel.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
2
11)
The fourth phase of the systems development life cycle is called:
11)
A)
systems installation.
B)
systems implementation.
C)
coding.
D)
systems conversion.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
12)
A document approved by a recognized body, that provides, for common and repeated use, rules,
guidelines, or characteristics for products, processes, or services with which compliance is not
mandatory is called:
12)
A)
agreement.
B)
guideline.
C)
regulation.
D)
standard.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
13)
Contract closure is part of which process group?
13)
A)
Executing
B)
Controlling
C)
Closing
D)
Planning
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
14)
Performing quality control is part of which process group?
14)
A)
Closing
B)
Executing
C)
Controlling
D)
Planning
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
15)
Systems implementation includes all EXCEPT:
15)
A)
installation.
B)
testing.
C)
maintenance.
D)
coding.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
3
16)
The organizational unit created to centralize and coordinate projects within an organization is
called:
16)
A)
project management office.
B)
project coordination center.
C)
project organization office.
D)
coordination bureau.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
17)
The amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying the early start of any immediately
following task is called:
17)
A)
total slack.
B)
free slack.
C)
optional slack.
D)
overall slack.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
18)
Social, economic, and environmental influences are comprised of:
18)
A)
standards and regulations.
B)
culture.
C)
internationalization.
D)
all of the above.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
19)
Most project life cycles share the following characteristics:
19)
A)
the ability of stakeholders to influence final characteristics of the project's product is highest at
the beginning and lowest at the end.
B)
cost and staffing levels are low at the start, higher at the end, and drop rapidly as the project
nears an end.
C)
the probability of successfully completing the project is lowest at the beginning, so risk and
uncertainty are also the highest at that point.
D)
all of the above.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
4
20)
What is NOT a characteristic of a Gantt chart?
20)
A)
A Gantt chart shows the time overlap of tasks.
B)
A Gantt chart visually shows the duration of tasks.
C)
A Gantt chart can visually show slack times available.
D)
A Gantt chart clearly shows how tasks must be ordered.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
21)
You should use a network diagram when:
21)
A)
tasks are well-defined and have a clear beginning and endpoint.
B)
tasks are ordered.
C)
tasks can be worked on independently of other tasks.
D)
all of the above.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
22)
Developing a project charter is part of which process group?
22)
A)
Initiating
B)
Planning
C)
Controlling
D)
Executing
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
23)
Information distribution is part of which process group?
23)
A)
Controlling
B)
Executing
C)
Planning
D)
Initiating
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
24)
Developing a project team is part of which process group?
24)
A)
Executing
B)
Initiating
C)
Planning
D)
Controlling
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
5
25)
The second phase of the systems development life cycle is called:
25)
A)
systems requirements determination.
B)
systems analysis.
C)
systems selection.
D)
systems alternative generation.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
26)
The amount if time a task can be delayed without delaying the completion of the project is called:
26)
A)
overall slack.
B)
total slack.
C)
free slack.
D)
optional slack.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
27)
All of the following organizational influences can affect a project's success, EXCEPT for the:
27)
A)
organization's structure.
B)
organizational culture.
C)
organization's customers.
D)
role of the project management office.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
28)
The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project is called:
28)
A)
slack time.
B)
lag time.
C)
delay time.
D)
free time.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
29)
Managing the project team is part of which process group?
29)
A)
Executing
B)
Planning
C)
Closing
D)
Controlling
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
6
30)
Problem solving consists of:
30)
A)
problem definition and decision making.
B)
problem analysis and solution selection.
C)
problem finding and problem clarification.
D)
gathering information and problem finding.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
31)
Some systems analysts consider the life cycle to be:
31)
A)
an ellipse.
B)
a pentagram.
C)
a system.
D)
a spiral.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
32)
The shortest time in which a project can be completed is shown by the:
32)
A)
longest path.
B)
shortest path.
C)
crucial path
D)
critical path.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
33)
Activity definition is part of which process group?
33)
A)
Controlling
B)
Executing
C)
Initiating
D)
Planning
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
34)
The second phase of the systems development life cycle encompasses all EXCEPT:
34)
A)
requirements determination.
B)
requirements design.
C)
alternative generation.
D)
requirements structuring.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
7
35)
The final phase of the systems development life cycle is called:
35)
A)
systems operation.
B)
systems maintenance.
C)
systems modification.
D)
bug fixing.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
36)
The review points at the end of each stage are called everything EXCEPT:
36)
A)
stage gates.
B)
phase exits.
C)
kill points.
D)
terminators.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
37)
The five phases of the systems development life cycle include all EXCEPT:
37)
A)
design.
B)
maintenance.
C)
bug fixing.
D)
planning and selection.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
38)
Key general management skills essential for successful project management include all EXCEPT:
38)
A)
communicating.
B)
problem solving.
C)
commanding
D)
leading.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
39)
The third phase of the systems development life cycle is called:
39)
A)
logical design.
B)
physical design.
C)
systems conversion.
D)
systems design.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
8
40)
An organization's information systems needs may result from:
40)
A)
requests to deal with problems in current procedures.
B)
the realization that information technology could be used to capitalize on an existing
opportunity.
C)
the desire to perform additional tasks.
D)
all of the above.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
41)
A functional organizational structure is sometimes thought of as resembling a:
41)
A)
square.
B)
network.
C)
matrix.
D)
pyramid.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
42)
Risk estimation is part of which process group?
42)
A)
Planning
B)
Initiating
C)
Executing
D)
Controlling
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
43)
A series of continuous actions that bring about a particular result, end, or condition is called a(n):
43)
A)
process.
B)
activity sequence.
C)
continuum.
D)
program.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
44)
Projects are divided into smaller parts called:
44)
A)
deliverables.
B)
stages.
C)
parts.
D)
phases.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
9
45)
Persons, groups of people, pieces of equipment, or materials used in accomplishing an activity are
called:
45)
A)
supplies.
B)
provisions.
C)
requirements.
D)
resources.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
46)
The phase of the systems development life cycle where the need for a new system is identified and
the scope is determined is called:
46)
A)
scope determination.
B)
initiation phase.
C)
systems planning.
D)
systems identification.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
47)
Which aspects of the organizational environment can influence the success of a project?
47)
A)
Organizational structure
B)
Environmental influences
C)
Stakeholders
D)
All of the above
Answer:
D
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
48)
Requesting seller responses is part of which process group?
48)
A)
Controlling
B)
Executing
C)
Planning
D)
Initiating
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A)
B)
C)
D)
SHORT ANSWER. Write the word or phrase that best completes each statement or answers the question.
49)
A ________ is a series of continuous actions that bring about a particular results, end, or
condition.
49)
Answer:
process
Explanation:
50)
Process groups are ________ by the results they produce.
50)
Answer:
linked
Explanation:
51)
The ________ expected completion time refers to the time in which an activity can be
completed without delaying the project.
51)
Answer:
latest
Explanation:
10
52)
The process group concerned with authorizing a project to begin is called ________.
52)
Answer:
initiating
Explanation:
53)
Due to limitations in terms of time and human processing, decision making often results in
________.
53)
Answer:
satisficing
Explanation:
54)
Nodes not on the critical path contain ________.
54)
Answer:
slack time
Explanation:
55)
Problem solving has two aspects: ________ and decision making.
55)
Answer:
problem definition
Explanation:
56)
The third phase in the SDLC is called ________.
56)
Answer:
systems design
Explanation:
57)
The sequence of activities whose order and durations directly affect the completion date of
a project is called ________.
57)
Answer:
critical path
Explanation:
58)
A project can have ________ critical path(s).
58)
Answer:
multiple
Explanation:
59)
Compliance with a standard is ________.
59)
Answer:
not mandatory
Explanation:
60)
Problem solving has two aspects: problem definition and ________.
60)
Answer:
decision making
Explanation:
61)
The critical path represents the ________ time in which a project can be completed.
61)
Answer:
shortest
Explanation:
62)
Standards may over time become ________ regulations, driven by market pressures or
habit.
62)
Answer:
de facto
Explanation:
63)
The fourth phase in the SDLC is called ________.
63)
Answer:
systems implementation
Explanation:
11
64)
________ refers to the amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying the early
start of any immediately following task.
64)
Answer:
Free slack
Explanation:
65)
An organization's ________ reflects what those who work there hold to be most important.
65)
Answer:
culture
Explanation:
66)
The fifth phase in the SDLC is called ________.
66)
Answer:
systems maintenance
Explanation:
67)
The process group concerned with formal acceptance of a project is called ________.
67)
Answer:
closing
Explanation:
68)
The organizational unit created to centralize and coordinate the projects within an
organization is called ________.
68)
Answer:
project management office
Explanation:
69)
Compliance with regulations is ________.
69)
Answer:
mandatory
Explanation:
70)
The first phase in the SDLC, where the need for a new or enhanced systems is identified
and the proposed system's scope is determined is called ________.
70)
Answer:
systems planning
Explanation:
71)
The technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic time to calculate the expected
time for a particular task is known as ________.
71)
Answer:
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Explanation:
72)
The five process groups identified by the PMBOK are initiating, planning, executing,
monitoring and controlling, and ________.
72)
Answer:
closing
Explanation:
73)
Projects are divided into smaller parts called ________.
73)
Answer:
phases
Explanation:
74)
A type of organizational structure where people from different backgrounds work with
each other throughout the lifetime of a project is called ________ organization structure.
74)
Answer:
projectized
Explanation:
12
75)
________ refers to the amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying the
completion of the project.
75)
Answer:
Total slack
Explanation:
76)
A type of organizational structure that typically crosses functional design with some other
design characteristic is called ________ organization structure.
76)
Answer:
matrix
Explanation:
77)
A ________ shows the sequence dependencies between tasks.
77)
Answer:
network diagram
Explanation:
78)
The second phase in the SDLC is called ________.
78)
Answer:
systems analysis
Explanation:
79)
Structured system design that can be broken down into smaller and smaller units for
conversion into instructions written in a programming language is called ________.
79)
Answer:
physical design
Explanation:
80)
Defining a problem correctly means distinguishing between ________.
80)
Answer:
causes and symptoms
Explanation:
81)
A ________ organization structure is a traditional hierarchical organization.
81)
Answer:
functional
Explanation:
82)
The process group involving defining goals and selecting the best way to achieve them is
called ________.
82)
Answer:
planning
Explanation:
83)
The process group concerned with measuring progress during execution of a project is
called ________.
83)
Answer:
monitoring and controlling
Explanation:
84)
Specifications that focus on the origin, flow, and processing of data in a system, but are not
tied to any specific hardware and systems software platform are called ________.
84)
Answer:
logical design
Explanation:
85)
Activities with a slack time of zero are on the ________.
85)
Answer:
critical path
Explanation:
13
86)
A ________ is a popular graph for displaying the duration of tasks.
86)
Answer:
Gantt chart
Explanation:
87)
The process group involving coordinating people and resources to carry out the plan is
called ________.
87)
Answer:
executing
Explanation:
88)
The critical path of a network diagram is represented by the sequence of connected
activities that produce the ________ overall time period.
88)
Answer:
longest
Explanation:
TRUE/FALSE. Write 'T' if the statement is true and 'F' if the statement is false.
89)
Standards may become de facto regulations, driven by market pressures or by habit.
89)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
90)
On large projects, the project manager and project leader should always be the same person.
90)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
91)
Systems planning has one primary activity.
91)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
92)
Nodes not on the critical contain slack time.
92)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
93)
Systems implementation includes coding, testing, and installation.
93)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
94)
The critical path represents the shortest time in which a project can be completed.
94)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
95)
An organizations' culture often influences the projects it undertakes.
95)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
96)
A strong matrix organization structure has many characteristics of a projectized organization.
96)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
14
97)
In an organization with a projectized structure, team members belong to different functional areas.
97)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
98)
The critical path is the shortest path though a network diagram.
98)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
99)
During systems maintenance, changes are made to the system to reflect changing business
conditions.
99)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
100)
Correctly defining a problem is critical for successful problem solving.
100)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
101)
Failure to identify a key stakeholder can cause major problems for a project.
101)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
102)
Network diagrams are useful to visually show the duration of tasks.
102)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
103)
A weak matrix organization structure resembles to some extent a functional organization.
103)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
104)
Companies can choose whether or not to follow a regulation.
104)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
105)
The steps of an SDLC (in the correct order) are analysis, planning, design, implementation,
maintenance.
105)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
106)
Projects are divided into smaller parts called phases.
106)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
107)
A functional organization structure can be thought of as a pyramid.
107)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
108)
In an organization with a functional structure, each employee reports to different entities.
108)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
15
109)
Project managers only have to be concerned with the project itself.
109)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
110)
During systems design, the descriptions of the recommended alternative are converted into
physical and then logical design.
110)
Answer:
True
False
Explanation:
ESSAY. Write your answer in the space provided or on a separate sheet of paper.
111)
Describe the systems implementation phase of the systems development life cycle.
Answer:
During the systems implementation phase of the SDLC, system specifications are turned into a working
system that is tested and then put into use. Implementation includes coding, testing, and installation.
During coding, programmers write the programs that make up the system. During testing, programmers
and analysts test individual programs and the entire system in order to find and correct errors. During
installation, the new system becomes a part of the daily activities of the organization. Application
software is installed, or loaded, on existing or new hardware; then users are introduced to the new
system and trained. Planning for both testing and installation should begin as early as the project
planning and selection phase, because they both require extensive analysis in order to develop exactly
the right approach.
112)
List and describe the five project management process groups.
Answer:
·Initiating - This involves authorizing a project or process to begin.
·Planning - One of the most extensive sets of processes, planning involves defining goals and selecting
best way to achieve them. Many of the activities that are the subject of management techniques and of
project management software involve planning processes.
·Executing - Once the project is planned, the next step is carrying out the plan. Executing processes
involved coordinating people and other resources to carry out the plan.
·Monitoring and Controlling - Controlling processes are designed to regularly monitor and measure
progress during execution in order to identify variances from the plan and to take corrective action when
necessary.
·Closing - The counterpart to the initiating process, closing processes occur when it is time for the
formal acceptance of a project and for bringing it to an end.
16
113)
Describe the systems design phase of the systems development life cycle.
Answer:
During systems design, analysts convert the description of the recommended alternative solution into
logical and then physical system specifications. Analysts must design all aspects of the system from input
and output screens to reports, databases, and computer processes.
Logical design is not tied to any specific hardware and systems software platform. Theoretically, the
system being designed could be implemented on any hardware and systems software. Logical design
concentrates on the business aspects of the system; that is, how the system will impact the functional
units within the organization. In physical design, the logical design is turned into physical, or technical,
specifications. For example, analysts must convert diagrams that map the origin, flow, and processing of
data in a system into a structured systems design that can then be broken down into smaller and smaller
units for conversion to instructions written in a programming language. During physical design, the
analyst team decides which programming languages the computer instructions will be written in, which
database systems and file structures will be used for the data, and which hardware platform, operating
system, and network environment the system will run under. These decisions finalize the hardware and
software plans initiated at the end of the analysis phase. The final product of the design phase is the
physical system specifications, presented in a form, such as a diagram or written report, ready to be
turned over to programmers and other system builders for construction.
114)
Describe the systems analysis phase of the systems development life cycle.
Answer:
During this phase, the analysts thoroughly study the organization's current procedures and the
information systems used to perform tasks such as general ledger, shipping, order entry, machine
scheduling, and payroll. Analysis has several subphases. The first subphase involves determining the
requirements of the system. In this subphase, analysts work with users to determine what the users want
from a proposed system. This subphase involves a careful study of any current systems, manual and
computerized, that might be replaced or enhanced as part of this project. Next, analysts study the
requirements and structure them according to their interrelationships, eliminating any redundancies.
Third, analysts generate alternative initial designs to match the requirements. Then they compare these
alternatives to determine which best meets the requirements within the cost, labor, and technical levels
the organization is willing to commit to the development process. The output of the analysis phase is a
description of the alternative solution recommended by the analysis team. Once the recommendation is
accepted by the organization, analysts can make plans to acquire any hardware and system software
necessary to build or operate the system as proposed
115)
Describe the systems maintenance phase of the systems development life cycle.
Answer:
The fifth and final phase is systems maintenance. While a system is operating in an organization, users
sometimes find problems with how it works and often think of improvements. During maintenance,
programmers make the changes that users ask for and modify the system to reflect changing business
conditions. These changes are necessary to keep the system running and useful. The amount of time and
effort devoted to system enhancements during the maintenance phase depends a great deal on the
performance of the previous phases of the life cycle. There inevitably comes a time, however, when an
information system is no longer performing as desired, when the costs of keeping a system running
become prohibitive, or when an organization's needs have changed substantially. Such problems indicate
that it is time to begin designing the system's replacement, thereby completing the loop and starting the
life cycle over again.
17
116)
Describe the systems planning phase of the systems development life cycle.
Answer:
The first phase in the SDLC, systems planning, has two primary activities. First, someone identifies the
need for a new or enhanced system. Information needs of the organization are examined and projects to
meet these needs are identified.
The systems analyst prioritizes and translates the needs into a written plan for the IS department,
including a schedule for developing new major systems. Requests for new systems spring from users who
need new or enhanced systems. During the systems planning phase, an organization determines whether
or not resources should be devoted to the development or enhancement of each information system
under consideration. A feasibility study is conducted before the second phase of the SDLC to determine
the economic and organizational impact of the system.
The second task in the systems planning phase is to investigate the system and determine the proposed
system's scope. The team of systems analysts then produces a specific plan for the proposed project for
the team to follow. This baseline project plan customizes the standardized SDLC and specifies the time
and resources needed for its execution. The formal definition of a project is based on the likelihood that
the organization's IS department is able to develop a system that will solve the problem or exploit the
opportunity and determine whether the costs of developing the system outweigh the possible benefits.
The final presentation to the organization's management of the plan for proceeding with the subsequent
project phases is usually made by the project leader and other team members.
117)
Describe a projectized organization structure and its effect on the organization's projects.
Answer:
With a projectized organization structure, the project team is really a team. The project scope and team
members cross organizational boundaries. People from different functional backgrounds work with each
other throughout the lifetime of the project. Team members are all part of the same organizational unit
instead of belonging to different functional areas. The organization structure is designed to provide the
necessary resources for project work. Project managers have the authority and independence necessary
to carry the project through to successful completion because they report directly to the organization's
chief executive.
118)
Define standard and regulations and highlight the differences between the two.
Answer:
Sample answer from the book:
The International Organization for Standardization defines a standard as a "document approved by a
recognized body, that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines, or characteristics for
products, processes, or services with which compliance is not mandatory" (ISO, 1994). Similarly, a
regulation is defined as a "document, which lays down product, process, or service characteristics,
including the applicable administrative provisions, with which compliance is mandatory" (ISO, 1994).
Standards may eventually become de facto regulations, driven by market pressures or by habit.
Compliance with standards and regulations can be mandated at different levels. The project manager
may determine which standards need to be applied; the organization may have certain expectations for
its projects or the products they result in; the government, at whatever jurisdictional level, may impose
regulations in the name of safety or other public goods.
119)
Describe a matrix organization structure and its subtypes.
Answer:
Matrix organizations are so named because they typically cross functional design (on one axis) with some
other design characteristic (on the other axis), in this case project management. There are several ways to
organize matrix organizations. A strong matrix has many of the characteristics of a projectized
organization, with full-time project managers with authority and full-time project administrative staff.
Project staff report to project managers as well as to the heads of their functional areas. A weak matrix
structure would more closely resemble a functional organization, with project managers acting more as
coordinators than as independent managers.
18
120)
Describe a functional organization structure and its effect on the organization's projects.
Answer:
A functional organization structure is a traditional hierarchical organization, sometimes thought of as
resembling a pyramid, with top management at the fulcrum, direct workers at the bottom, and middle
managers in between. Each employee has one clear supervisor, and employees are grouped by
specialization into accounting, marketing, information systems, manufacturing, and other functional
groups. In such organizations, the scope of a project is limited to the boundaries of function. Different
parts of a project are worked on separately by people within different functional areas. For example,
Marketing determines what will sell, Engineering designs the product based on what they learned from
Marketing, and Engineering passes its specifications on to Manufacturing, which separately figures out
how to build the product. Many times, Engineering has to make changes in the product that Marketing
doesn't like, simply because they cannot develop a design that satisfies all of Marketing's desires, and
Manufacturing has to make changes Engineering doesn't like in order to build a working product based
on the manufacturing technologies they have in place. This process is often called the "over the wall"
problem - one group takes their part of the project and throws it "over the wall" to the next group. The
result is often more work for everybody involved and a product that is less than what it could have been.
19
