A task on the critical path has just been completed.
The project manager has been informed that the person responsible for the next task has gone on an approved leave.
Which of the following types of organizational structure does this scenario BEST describe?
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.D.
The scenario described in the question is a situation where a task on the critical path has just been completed, but the person responsible for the next task has gone on approved leave. This creates a delay in the project, which can impact the project schedule, cost, and scope. To address this issue, the project manager needs to understand the organizational structure of the company to determine the best course of action.
A. Functional Organizational Structure In a functional organizational structure, employees are grouped by their specific functional area, such as marketing, finance, or operations. This type of structure is typically used in larger organizations where there is a clear division of labor and specialized expertise. However, in this scenario, the functional structure does not provide a clear solution since the project team members are likely to be working on multiple projects, and the project manager may not have direct authority over the team member responsible for the next task.
B. Projectized Organizational Structure A projectized organizational structure is designed to support project teams, where employees work exclusively on a project. In this type of structure, the project manager has complete authority over the project team members and the project's resources. This structure is ideal for complex projects where teamwork and collaboration are essential. In this scenario, the projectized structure would provide the project manager with the necessary authority to reassign the task to another team member to ensure that the project remains on schedule.
C. Strong Matrix Organizational Structure A strong matrix organizational structure is a combination of functional and projectized structures. In this type of structure, project team members report to both a functional manager and a project manager. The project manager has limited authority, and the functional manager retains control over the team members. This structure is ideal for projects where the functional manager's expertise is essential, but the project manager requires some authority to manage the project. In this scenario, the strong matrix structure may not provide the project manager with the necessary authority to reassign the task to another team member.
D. Flat Organizational Structure A flat organizational structure is characterized by a small management team with few layers of hierarchy. This structure is often used in small organizations or startups, where there is a need for quick decision-making and flexibility. However, in this scenario, the flat structure does not provide the project manager with the necessary authority to reassign the task to another team member since there may not be any other team members available to take on the task.
In conclusion, the scenario described in the question is best suited to a projectized organizational structure, as this structure provides the project manager with complete authority over the project team members and the project's resources. This authority allows the project manager to reassign the task to another team member to ensure that the project remains on schedule.