PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineProject Management Fundamentals and Core ConceptsHard
A project manager is struggling to secure necessary resources and gain cooperation from functional departments for a cross-functional project. The organization has recently undergone a restructuring, moving from a purely functional structure to a matrix structure, but the transition is still incomplete, and functional managers retain significant power. Which type of organizational structure MOST accurately describes the current environment, given the project manager's challenges?
- ABalanced Matrix
- BStrong Matrix
- CWeak Matrix
- DProjectized
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Weak Matrix
In a Weak Matrix organization, the project manager has very limited authority, similar to a functional organization. Functional managers retain significant power and control over resources, leading to challenges in resource acquisition and cooperation for project managers. The scenario explicitly states functional managers retain significant power despite the move to matrix.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A Balanced Matrix shares authority between functional and project managers, suggesting more cooperation than described.
- B. A Strong Matrix grants the project manager high authority and dedicated project staff, which contradicts the scenario's challenges.
- D. A Projectized organization gives the project manager full authority and dedicated resources, which is the opposite of the situation described.
Weak Matrix Organization
An organizational structure where the project manager has limited authority, and functional managers primarily control resources and project work.
- Project manager role is often part-time (coordinator/expeditor).
- Functional managers retain significant power.
- Resource allocation is challenging for projects.
- Resembles a functional organization in terms of PM authority.
Memory trick: Weak PM is a coordinator, Balanced shares, Strong PM is a full manager.