University of The Cumberlands
Strategic Appi In PM
BADM637 – B01
Summary
The structure of the organization has a direct impact over the project and how the
power is given to the project manager. Further the way a project is defined also directs
impacts the way different set of activities are carried out in a project. The week’s readings
focused on structure of the organization and the impact it has over the complete project.
The most common organizational structures that are seen include functional
structure, matrix structure and project structure. The advantage that matrix structure offers
is that it involves a strong project focus while making sure that there is the required level of
flexibility. Project structure on the other hand provides the advantage of effective cross
functional integration (Ajmal, Khan & Al-Yafei, 2019). The functional structure is effective
in the case of effective resource management in case there is shortage of resources. To
define a project involves defining the project objective and deliverables along with
technical requirements. The stakeholders of the project are also listed in the same wherein
limits and exclusions of project also need to be defined. Quality of a project is determined
based on cost, time and scope. Based on these, the project team needs to decide on whether
the given standards need to be constrained, accepted or enhanced. But it is highly important
that the activities be first broken down as per work breakdown structure. Work breakdown
structure is helpful since it helps keep track of all the different activities in the project.
Responsibility matrix for a project assigns responsibility to each of the project stakeholders
(Larson & Gray, 2018). These are further helpful in understanding how different kinds of
stakeholders need to be consulted or informed before any decision is taken in a project. The
project communication plan must be such that it must address all the key stakeholders of the
project.
Ans 1. The culture directly impacts the effectiveness in case of project management. Thus
matrix structure while on one hand may promote cross functional integration, a functional
structure leads to people working in silos. Hence it becomes important that the organization
should be able to take decisions with respect to the structure to be followed.