Question 1

Which of the following is an advantage associated with managing projects in a functional organization?

Accepted Answer

In a functional organization, each employee reports to a single supervisor, ensuring clear lines of authority and communication, which is referred to as unity of command.

Question 2

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with a functional organization?

Accepted Answer

Resource sharing is not a common characteristic of a functional organization. In fact, resources are typically assigned to specific departments or projects and may not be easily shared across the organization. The other characteristics listed (having a clear superior, being managed by an expert in their area, and grouping staff by specialization) are commonly associated with functional organizations.

Question 3

Which of the following organizational structures runs contrary to the unity of command principle - that each employee works for a single supervisor?

Accepted Answer

In a matrix organization, employees work under multiple supervisors or managers, which goes against the unity of command principle.

Question 4

Project planning teams use project life cycle models because various types of projects have differing demands.Which of the following sequences of stages is most appropriate for a life cycle model for construction projects?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of pre-planning, design, procurement, construction, and start up is the most appropriate life cycle model for construction projects as they involve a clear process of planning, designing, procuring resources, executing construction, and starting up operations. The other sequences mentioned are more suitable for other types of projects such as process improvement projects (A), software development projects (D), and product development projects (B).

Question 5

Some organizational culture characteristics make project success more likely.These characteristics include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Lack of appreciation for project management is not a characteristic that would make project success more likely. The other three choices - collaboration to meet organizational goals, engagement of stakeholders, and teamwork across cultures - demonstrate a focus on collaboration, communication, and inclusiveness, which are important factors in project success.

Question 6

When trying to understand a corporate culture,it is helpful to understand the types of power that are used.In "power cultures":

Accepted Answer

In power cultures, supervisors exert a great deal of economic and political power. This type of culture is characterized by a strong hierarchical structure where decisions are made at the top and follow a chain of command. It tends to be focused on results and can be very competitive. Employees are expected to follow the rules and procedures set forth by their superiors.

Question 7

Projectized organizations often adopt which of the following techniques where project team members are physically placed close to one another to improve communications and working relationships?

Accepted Answer

Co-location is a technique used by projectized organizations to improve communications and working relationships among project team members by physically placing them close to one another. This allows for easy communication, sharing of ideas and knowledge transfer. Collaboration refers to working together towards a common goal, coordination involves ensuring that different elements of the project are working together, and consolidation refers to combining smaller components into a larger whole. None of these are as directly related to physical proximity as co-location.

Question 8

Core teams on agile projects need strong direction from the sponsor and project manager.

Accepted Answer

Agile projects emphasize self-organizing teams that make decisions collaboratively, with guidance rather than strong direction from sponsors and project managers.

Question 9

The project life cycle where the majority of the project work is conducted in iterations (sometimes called sprints)is called:

Accepted Answer

The project life cycle where the majority of the project work is conducted in iterations is called the Agile project life cycle. This approach is commonly used in software development and is based on continuous feedback and adaptation to changing requirements throughout the project. The other options listed do not accurately describe this type of project life cycle.

Question 10

According to PMI's "Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct",project managers should exhibit all of the following behaviors EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

PMI's "Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct" explicitly states that project managers should not exert economic and political power solely for personal gain or at the expense of stakeholders. This is contradictory to exhibiting authority and is not a behavior that should be exhibited.

Question 11

All of the following are advantages associated with managing projects in a projectized organization EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The statement "New assignment is guaranteed after the project ends" is not an advantage associated with managing projects in a projectized organization, but rather a characteristic of a matrix organization where individuals are assigned to projects part-time and have a home department where they return to after the project ends. In a projectized organization, individuals are fully dedicated to the project and may not necessarily have a guaranteed assignment after the project ends.

Question 12

During project execution,the project sponsor's responsibilities include all of these EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The project sponsor is responsible for ensuring communications, nurturing key stakeholders, and ensuring quality. Chartering the project, however, is an activity that typically occurs before the execution phase, marking the official start of the project.

Question 13

Through shared values,organizational cultures can informally do all the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Organizational culture cannot completely eliminate politics in the workplace as there will always be varying opinions and interests among different individuals and groups within an organization. However, a strong and positive organizational culture can help mitigate the negative effects of politics and encourage more ethical behavior.

Question 14

Which of the following is a disadvantage associated with managing projects in a projectized organization?

Accepted Answer

In a projectized organization, resources are dedicated to projects, which can lead to periods where team members are underutilized if their specific skills are not needed at all times.

Question 15

Project planning teams use project life cycle models because various types of projects have differing demands.Which of the following sequences of stages is most appropriate for a life cycle model for research and development (R & D)projects?

Accepted Answer

R&D projects typically involve a process of generating and exploring ideas, screening those ideas for feasibility and potential, developing those concepts further, validating them through testing, and eventually transitioning them into production or implementation. This sequence of stages aligns well with the idea generation, screening, concept development, validation, and transition stages outlined in option D.

Question 16

Which of the following executive roles is responsible for overall priority setting,project selection and prioritization,general guidance and encouragement?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following executive roles is...

Question 17

It is generally unnecessary to have every function represented on the core team of the project,as that would make communications and scheduling of meetings more difficult.

Accepted Answer

Including every function on the core team can lead to communication difficulties and scheduling challenges due to the increased number of team members. Therefore, it is generally not necessary to have every function represented on the core team.

Question 18

Which of the following organizational structures is designed to achieve a balance of task focus and technical capability?

Accepted Answer

The matrix organization is designed to balance task focus and technical capability because it combines the functional and projectized structures. In a matrix organization, employees are grouped by both function and project, allowing for a balance of technical expertise and task focus. This structure is ideal for complex projects with multiple departments or areas of expertise involved. The functional organization (A) emphasizes specialization and may not have the necessary coordination for large-scale projects, while the projectized organization (B) is more task-focused but may not have the technical expertise necessary to complete the project. A siloed organization (D) is a structure where departments or groups work independently, without collaboration, and would not prioritize a balance of task focus and technical capability.

Question 19

In agile projects,the individual who leads in a collaborative manner by guiding teams and removing obstacles to their progress is called the:

Accepted Answer

In agile projects, the individual who leads in a collaborative manner, guides teams and removes obstacles is called the Scrum Master. The Scrum Master is responsible for facilitating communication and collaboration within the team and ensuring that the agile methodology is followed. The Project Manager is not a role in Agile methodology, Sponsor provides financial resources to the project and Facilitators are not necessarily leading the project.

Question 20

Which of the following is an advantage associated with the matrix organization?

Accepted Answer

The matrix organization allows for resources to be shared between departments and projects, which can lead to higher efficiency and cost savings.

Quiz 3: Organizational Capability: Structure,Culture and Roles