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Project Management Orientation

The Matrix Structure 
 
The matrix organizational structure is the one that occurs most often in IBM.  Because the emphasis of this structure is project-based, it must be understood by IBM project managers.
  
Matrix organizations evolved from the traditional management structure.  Its multi-disciplinary team members are drawn from various line or functional units in a hierarchical organization. 
  
Less anxiety exists about project termination because the project has been temporarily superimposed on the functional organization.  At project completion, the functional organization remains intact.

Challenges  

Matrix organizations are complex, and present certain challenges to the project manager.  These challenges include the:

  • Authority and responsibilities of the project manager versus the functional manager
  • Communication flows within the team, as well as to and from other groups

Matrix organizational structures affect the authority and responsibility of both the project manager and functional manager, the degree of communication within the project, and the communication flow.

Managing the Matrix  

"....matrix management is a charming form of management, full of variety and disorder."
  
From Project Management:  A Managerial Approach by Jack Meredith and Samuel J. Mantel, Jr.
  
For you, the project manager, successful operation within the matrix structure depends on the attitudes, actions, and activities of the people involved.  Having the following elements in the project can help ensure a more successful project:

  • A Project Charter that assigns responsibility and authority to the project manager from the project sponsor.
  • A good working relationship between the project manager and functional managers
  • An understanding that a project manager's job is accomplished primarily through the process of negotiation and leadership
  • Project team members who must overcome confusion and split loyalties, and adapt to a two-boss situation
  • Negotiation and leadership skills are essential for making the matrix work.  In addition, communication is critical to success.
1: Getting Started
2: Define the Project Team
3: Team Management
4: Identify and Validate Requirements
5: Create Decomposition Structures
6: Risk Management
7: Project Estimates
8: Project Schedules
9: Change Management
10: Project Control and Execution
Defining the Project
11: Project Management Review
12: Project Closeout
13: Project Management Tool Suite
14: Self-Assessment and Final Exam
Fast Points
Concepts
Seven Keys
Case Study
WWPMM
Mentor
Check Point
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