Project Management Organizational Structures

Essay by nferttUniversity, Bachelor's May 2008

download word file, 4 pages 4.6

What is a project? According to Erzberger and Farner, (2001) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a particular product or service. Coordinating a project is not simple because of all the resources necessary to complete one effectively and efficiently. PMI states that project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of the particular project.

Project managers are in charge of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the project. Prior to beginning a project the manager needs to decide which organizational structure is the best fit to run the project at hand. There are three organizational structures to choose from. The organizational structures are functional project, matrix project and pure project. Resources availability, organization's size and the company's accomplishment expectations are to be taken into consideration when choosing the most appropriate organizational structure for the project.

Functional ProjectThe functional project management organizational structure encompasses multiple departments assigned to work on a project. Companies which are functionally structured will the lines of command very clear. The tasks and the responsibilities are specified. Some advantages of the functional project structure area)A team can work on multiple projects at the same timeb)The technical expertise is maintained within the project even if an individual stops working on the project or leaves the companyc)Several specialized experts work together to obtain the solutions to problems and ensure success of project (Dhamma, 2007).

The functional project has disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages are:a)Limitation of general manager's development due to team members only reporting to the functional manager.

b)Project coordination and decision making may not be easily attained.

c)Conflict may arise among teamsd)Team motivation may not be strong (Dhamma, 2007).

The functional structure starts executives...