Week 4 – Organizational structure and culture

 


1. Define organizational structure.

Answers

·        How a company is arranged, how job tasks are divided and coordinated, and how members of the organization relate to one another

·        How a company’s corporate governance functions, how it prioritizes clear and sustainable goals, and how it implements changes

·        How a company defines its values, how it retains employees, and how teams maintain productivity

·        How a company sets budgets, documents expenses, and tracks income

Explanation: The framework and arrangement of jobs, responsibilities, and interactions inside an organization are what are referred to as the organization's organizational structure. It specifies how responsibilities are distributed, coordinated, and managed in order to realize the organization's objectives. Hierarchy, lines of reporting, and communication channels are often included in this organization. There is a wide range of possible organizational structures, including classic hierarchical models, flat structures, matrix organizations, and other forms that are suited to the particular requirements and characteristics of the company.

 

2. Which answer best describes a Matrix organizational structure?

Answers

·        It includes an internal group that defines and maintains project management standards across the organization.

·        It has a linear reporting, which is similar to the structure of a military branch. 

·        It involves reporting to stakeholders across teams in addition to direct managers.

·        It follows a traditional, top-down reporting structure with a clear chain of command.

 

Explanation: A dual reporting system is what distinguishes an organizational structure as having the characteristics of a matrix. In such a structure, personnel have reporting links that are both functional and project- or product-based. Individuals report to both a functional manager (regardless of their job position or area of expertise) as well as a project manager (regardless of the particular project or product they are working on), according to this organizational structure. This makes it possible to distribute resources, knowledge, and decision-making authority more fluidly and dynamically across a variety of projects or functional areas. It is the equivalent of a person having two bosses, each of whom is accountable for a different area of their job.

3. How does a company’s organizational structure impact project management?

Answers

·        It affects the project’s success rate and a team’s ability to improve.

·        It affects the success of change management and the availability of resources.

·        It affects the project manager’s authority and the availability of resources.

·        It affects the project manager’s authority and the success of change management.

 

4. Define organizational culture.

Answers

·        A company’s shared values, mission, and history

·        A company’s structure, hierarchy, and goals

·        A company’s income and expenses

·        A company’s schedule and plans

Explanation: The term "organizational culture" refers to the values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are held in common among the members of an organization. The social fiber of an organization is what determines how members of that company interact with one another as well as with stakeholders from the outside. Employees' perspectives on their job, the quality of their relationships with coworkers, and the degree to which they feel the company's overarching purpose and objectives are being met are all impacted by the culture of the organization.

5. Why should project managers learn about organizational culture? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        So they can communicate more effectively with teams

·        So they can demonstrate how a project supports the company’s mission and values

·        So they can manage change effectively

·        So they can assign the right number of people to a project

 

6. Which term refers to the delivery of a completed project and its successful adoption by an organization?

Answers

·        Change management

·        Change governance

·        Project management

·        Project governance 

Explanation: The delivery of a finished project to an organization and that organization's effective acceptance of the project is referred to as "project implementation." The implementation phase entails carrying out the tasks outlined in the project plan, putting the deliverables into action, and checking to see that the desired results are obtained. It includes the transition from the conclusion of the project to the incorporation and acceptance of the outcomes of the project inside the organization.

7. What questions can project managers ask themselves in order to help manage change effectively? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Which influencers in the organization can affect the change?

·        Which leaders shouldn’t be informed of the change?

·        What are the best means of communication to convey the change?

·        How will the organization react to change

 

8. As someone interviewing for a project management role, you ask questions about sick days and vacation, working from home, and if the company supports employees sharing their identity in the workplace. Which part of a company’s culture do these questions help you learn more about?

Answers

·        Processes

·        Policies

·        Vision

·        Compensation

Explanation: These questions are quite important for acquiring insights about the policies and culture of the organization in reference to the well-being of the employees. Prospective project managers need to have a thorough understanding of the company's policies on paid time off for illness and vacation, the ability to work remotely, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in order to evaluate the whole work environment and decide whether it meets their personal and professional requirements. It demonstrates to the person conducting the interview that you appreciate taking a holistic approach to your job and are aware of the variables that contribute to a healthy and sustainable working environment. In addition, it shows that you value the opportunity to grow professionally.

9. As a project manager, you want to integrate change management into your project. To prepare for the adoption of your recommended changes and to gather information, you incorporate surveys, flowcharts, and culture mapping. These actions represent which change management best practice?

Answers

·        Use tools

·        Practice empathy

·        Follow a consistent process

·        Consider the trends

Explanation: By engaging in these activities, you are proactively involving stakeholders, understanding the current state of processes, and considering the organizational culture—critical elements of effective change management. This approach helps in anticipating challenges, addressing concerns, and ensuring a more seamless adoption of changes within the project.

 

10. Fill in the blank: Project governance covers _____.

Answers

·        roles such as sponsor, stakeholder, project manager, client, and team members

·        phases such as the initiating, planning, executing, and closing of a project

·        decisions such as policies, regulations, functions, processes, and procedures

·        documents such as the project charter, project proposal, RACI chart, and project communication plan

 

Explanation: Within an organization, project governance refers to the structure, rules, procedures, and decision-making processes that direct and regulate how projects are planned, carried out, monitored, and ultimately concluded. It comprises the rules and structure that guarantee projects match with business goals, conform to standards, and produce value while controlling risks and complying with regulations while at the same time.

Shuffle Q/A 1

11. Which of the following refers to how a company arranges its employee hierarchy, divides and coordinates job tasks, and enables members of the organization to relate to one another?

Answers

·        Authoritative structure

·        Matrix organizational structure

·        Organizational structure

·        Project Management Office (PMO)

Explanation: The term "organizational structure" refers to the manner in which a corporation sets up its personnel hierarchy, distributes and organizes work responsibilities, and makes it possible for members of the organization to interact to one another. The connections and functions that exist inside a corporation are mapped out by its organizational structure, which in turn determines how information, authority, and duties are distributed across the firm.

 

12. Which main function of a PMO involves defining project criteria, selecting projects according to the organization’s business goals, and then providing a business case for those projects to management?

Answers

·        Strategic planning and governance

·        Budget allocation

·        Common project culture

·        Resource management

Explanation: Defining project criteria, selecting projects based on the organization's business goals, and presenting a business case for those projects to management is the primary function of a Project Management Office (PMO), which is typically referred to as "Project Portfolio Management" or "Portfolio Governance." This function's primary purpose is to ensure that the organization's strategic goals and priorities are taken into account while selecting and carrying out projects.

 

13. As a project manager, you believe limited access to the necessary people and equipment could cause the project to go past deadline. Which organizational topic could you discuss with your key stakeholder to get the project back on track?

Answers

·        Report availability

·        Resource availability

·        Stakeholder availability

·        Meeting availability

Explanation: You and the main stakeholders in your business might have a conversation on the organizational issue of "Resource Management" in this scenario. The management of resources entails making certain that the required amount of people, equipment, and other resources are readily accessible and are distributed in an effective manner to support the operations of the project. You can work together to find solutions if you address concerns about restricted access to people and equipment. This will allow you to do things like optimize resource allocation, acquire extra resources, or alter project timeframes to correspond with available resources. This conversation may aid in forming well-informed judgments, which can reduce the likelihood of delays occurring and help the project stay on schedule.

 

14. When working in different geographies, why is awareness of established customs important for understanding organizational culture?

Answers

·        It will impress your superiors.

·        It can help you feel more comfortable.

·        It can lead to product innovation.

·        It can help you form respectful relationships.

Explanation: Because traditions are such an integral part of a company's culture, it is essential for employees to be familiar with local customs in each of the locations in which they will be working. The values, beliefs, behaviors, and practices that are held in common among the members of a company are what comprise its culture. Culture has a role in determining how employees interact with one another. When a business operates in a variety of geographical regions, the customs of those places have a considerable impact on the organizational culture of each site.

 

15. Which of the following best describes an example of successful change management?

Answers

·        Your team develops software that meets the success criteria presented to you by your company’s CFO.

·        Your company is restructuring and you have been chosen to manage a key project.

·        HR adopts the new onboarding process that your project team was tasked to develop.

·        Your team is selected to implement a key project for your company’s Office of Procurement.

Explanation: An example of effective change management would be a situation in which an organization successfully executed a significant organizational change, and the workers not only adapted to the change but also embraced it, which resulted in enhanced performance and favorable results for the organization. This would be an example of successful change management.

Take, for instance, a corporation that has upgraded to a more advanced technological platform in order to improve the efficiency of its operational procedures. The approach of managing change included extensive communication with workers on the motivations for the change, the advantages it would bring, and the assistance that would be provided throughout the transition. The corporation made available extensive training programs to its staff in order to guarantee that they would acquire the knowledge and abilities required to make use of the new technology.

 

16. Which of the following change management tools are designed to visualize your project's development process?

Answers

·        Culture mapping

·        Feedback mechanisms

·        Scatter Plots

·        Flowcharts

 

17. Fill in the blank: A project manager becomes a _____ at a company—someone who helps an organization transform by focusing on organizational effectiveness.

Answers

·        traditionalist

·        competitor

·        contrarian

·        change agent

Explanation: When working in a corporation, a project manager takes on the role of a "change agent," or a person who contributes to the transformation of an organization by concentrating on improving its efficiency.

 

18. Fill in the blank: _____ is the framework for how project decisions are made.

Answers

·        Project governance

·        Organizational structure

·        Corporate governance

·        Corporate vision

 

Explanation: "Project governance" refers to the structure that determines how choices about a project are made.

 

19. Which of the following best describe organizational structure?

Answers

·        How members of the organization relate to and interact with one another

·        How the organization’s identity and personality is demonstrated

·        How changes are implemented within the organization

·        How leadership creates operational processes within the organization

Explanation: The term "organizational structure" refers to the framework and arrangement of roles, responsibilities, and interactions inside an organization. This is the most accurate definition of organizational structure. It specifies how responsibilities are distributed, coordinated, and managed in order to realize the organization's objectives. Hierarchy, reporting lines, and communication channels are three essential elements that are frequently included in organizational structures.

 

20. Which of the following refers to an internal group that defines and maintains project standards across the organization?

Answers

·        Matrix organizational structure

·        Project Planning Office (PPO)

·        Project Management Office (PMO)

·        Classic organizational structure

Explanation: The acronym "Project Management Office" (PMO) is used to describe an internal entity that is responsible for defining and maintaining project standards across the whole business. The Project Management Office (PMO) is the department inside the business that is in charge of creating and maintaining the consistent implementation of project management standards, procedures, and techniques.

 

21. Which of the following concepts is a defining part of organizational culture?

Answers

·        A company’s schedule and plans

·        A company’s revenue

·        A company’s mission

·        A company’s location

Explanation: The idea of "values" is an important component that helps to define an organization's culture. The basic beliefs or guiding principles that direct the actions and choices of people inside an organization are referred to as the organization's values. They are very important contributors to the formation of the organization's identity, standards, and general culture.

 

22. As a project manager, your team created a more efficient reporting dashboard. Now, you’re trying to get the organization to accept and adopt the new dashboard. What organizational process does this situation represent?

Answers

·        Project governance

·        Change adoptance

·        Project management

·        Change management

 

Explanation: The circumstances that you outlined are an example of the organizational process known as "Change Management." Individuals, groups, and whole organizations all need a methodical path to follow in order to make the transition from where they are now to where they want to be in the future. This is what change management is all about. In this instance, the change consists of the organization's transition to a reporting dashboard that is newer and more effective than its previous one. In order to promote a seamless transition and the successful acceptance of the change, effective change management entails overcoming any opposition that may arise, as well as communication and training.

Shuffle Q/A 2

23. What can a project manager do to manage changes effectively and encourage project adoption? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Avoid having team members as advocates because they may be too enthusiastic about the project

·        Create a sense of ownership and urgency around the project

·        Communicate clearly by being transparent and upfront with their ideas

·        Encourage supervisors to use their authority to force employee adoption

 

24. As someone interviewing for a project management role, you want to understand the organizational culture of the company you’re interviewing with. Which of the following questions could help you learn about the company’s processes? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        How might the person in this role contribute to the organization’s mission?

·        How many new projects does the company expect for this year?

·        How do employees measure the impact of their work?

·        How are new employees onboarded?

 

25. As a project manager, you want to integrate change management into your project. Which of the following tools could you use to help people adopt a change? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Feedback mechanisms

·        Scatter charts

·        Culture mapping

·        Task tracking

 

26. What action should a project manager take to ensure effective project governance?

Answers

·        Prioritize governance trends over the organization’s specific needs.

·        Treat project governance as separate from corporate governance.

·        Take on projects without sufficient resources to push the team beyond their perceived capabilities.

·        Elicit the input of senior stakeholders since they are decision makers.

 

27. Fill in the blank: An organization's structure is most commonly mapped out using a _____ .

Answers

·        personnel chart

·        communication roadmap

·        top-down hierarchy

·        reporting chart

Explanation: The structure of an organization is often shown using a "organizational chart" or a "org chart."

 

28. You have started a new job at a company where project managers often have the same level of authority as functional managers. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure at your company?

Answers

·        Matrix structure

·        Functional structure

·        PMO structure

·        Classic structure

Explanation: It is probably most accurate to refer to the organizational structure of your firm as a "Matrix Structure" or a "Matrix Organization." persons in a Matrix Structure often have multiple reporting relationships and share power. Some examples of these persons are project managers and functional managers. The allocation of resources and the making of decisions may both be made more collaboratively and dynamically within this framework, which spans both functional and project lines.

 

29. Which of the following accurately describes how organizational structure impacts project management? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        It affects the client’s criteria for success.

·        It affects the project manager’s level of authority and their ability to make decisions that impact the larger organization.

·        It affects the availability of resources that can be devoted to a project.

·        It affects the client’s project satisfaction.

 

30. Fill in the blank: An organization's culture provides context and acts as a guide for what their people value, how they operate on a daily basis, how they relate to one another, and how they can be expected to perform. In other words, organizational culture can be thought of as the company's _____ .

Answers

·        goals

·        personality

·        structure

·        strengths

 

Explanation: It is possible to think of the culture of an organization as the "personality" of the enterprise. It outlines the collective ideas, attitudes, and behaviors that determine the way people inside the business interact with one another and carry out their duties on a daily basis.

 

31. Which of the following questions can help project managers learn about a company’s organizational culture? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Are there company sanctioned social events?

·        What is the company’s best-selling product/service?

·        When was the organization founded?

·        How are projects typically run?

 

32. As someone interviewing for a project management role, you want to understand the organizational culture of the company you’re interviewing with. Which of the following questions could help you learn about the company’s policies? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        What are the company’s mission and value statements?

·        What are appropriate ways for employees to share their identity in the workplace?

·        Does the company allow employees to work from home?

·        What will be the average age of your project team members?

 

33. Which of the following refers to the council that helps project managers make and approve strategic decisions that affect both the company and the project?

Answers

·        Office of legal affairs

·        Chief Executive Officer

·        Stakeholder

·        Steering committee

Explanation: The phrase that refers to the council that assists project managers in making and approving strategic choices that influence both the business and the project is typically known as the "Project Management Office (PMO) Advisory Board." However, the name "PMO Board" is also often used. This board is often made up of important stakeholders, executives, and other leaders within the firm. Their roles are to offer direction and approval for strategic choices regarding project management inside the organization.

 

34. Which of the following are ways that organizational structure determines your role as a project manager? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Organizational structure determines where you fit in

·        Organizational structure determines your career growth

·        Organizational structure determines how frequently to communicate

·        Organizational structure determines who you should communicate with

 

Shuffle Q/A 3

35. Which answer best describes a Classic organizational structure?

Answers

·        It refers to how a company is arranged, how job tasks are divided and coordinated, and how members of the organization relate to one another.

·        It allows for easy communication among project teams that sit across different functions.

·        It refers to the traditional, top-down reporting structure with a clear chain of command.

·        It involves reporting to stakeholders across teams in addition to direct managers.

Explanation: A hierarchical arrangement, in which power and decision-making flow from the highest level of management down through the different levels of management, is one of the defining characteristics of a classic organizational structure. Employees have clear reporting connections under this structure, and each level of management has defined tasks and authority over certain parts of the company. This structure was designed to maximize efficiency. A standard chain of command is followed whenever there is official communication. The term "Classic organizational structure" refers to the same thing as "Traditional organizational structure" or "hierarchical structure."

 

36. Which of the following questions can help project managers learn about a company’s organizational culture? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        What is the benchmark salary for people performing this project role?

·        How are decisions made, majority vote or top down approvals?

·        Where was the organization founded?

·        What kinds of rituals are in place when someone new comes to the office?

37. As someone interviewing for a project management role, you ask questions about how team members provide feedback to one another, ways the company celebrates success, and whether risk-taking is encouraged. Which part of a company’s culture do these questions help you learn more about?

Answers

·        Atmosphere

·        Mission

·        Policies

·        Processes

38. As a project manager, you want to integrate change management into your project. You do this by establishing a change management process early in the project. You also adopt portions of the company’s change management plan so that it aligns with your project. These actions represent which change management best practice?

Answers

·        Communicate about upcoming changes

·        Practice empathy

·        Use tools

·        Follow a consistent process

Explanation: Early and active engagement is a change management best practice that refers to the activities you stated, such as developing a change management process early on in the project and adopting aspects of the company's change management plan to coincide with your project. This change management best practice is also known as "Early and Active Engagement."

When it comes to change management, Early and Active Engagement refers to the process of including important stakeholders and integrating change management principles at an early stage in the development of a project. When you do this, you are proactively addressing problems that are connected to change, taking into consideration the effect that the change will have on people, and aligning the change management process with both the project and the larger organizational change strategy. Taking this proactive approach increases the probability that the change will be adopted successfully over the duration of the project.

39. Which of the following refers to a company’s shared values, mission, and history?

Answers

·        Organizational culture

·        Organizational structure

·        Project Management Office (PMO)

·        Change management

Explanation: The phrase "organizational culture" describes the beliefs, goals, and traditions that are held in common by members of an organization. A company's organizational culture is comprised of its shared views, values, practices, and traditions, all of which play a role in determining how its employees interact with one another and collaborate on projects. It contains things like the company's goal statement, its shared values, and its history, all of which have played a part in the establishment of its one-of-a-kind culture.

40. Which questions can help project managers learn about a company’s organizational culture? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Which style of project management does the company use?

·        How much revenue did the organization earn last year?

·        When was the organization founded?

·        How do employees prefer to communicate?

41. Which of the following statements is true of the change management process? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        It follows Waterfall methodology principles.

·        It is the sole responsibility of the project manager.

·        It requires effective communication from the project manager.

·        It includes the successful delivery and adoption of a completed project.

42. In business, what is the management framework within which decisions are made and accountability is determined?

Answers

·        Agile

·        Organizational culture

·        Governance

·        Change management

Explanation: The management structure that is used in businesses and often referred to as "organizational governance" or simply "corporate governance" is the framework in which choices are made and responsibility is decided. This framework is commonly called "corporate governance." The systems, practices, and structures that are used in the directing and controlling of a firm are collectively referred to as "corporate governance." It offers the foundation for striking a balance between the varied interests of the many stakeholders, including as shareholders, management, consumers, suppliers, financiers, the government, and the community.

The establishment of decision-making procedures, maintaining accountability, fostering ethical conduct inside the firm, defining the roles and obligations of various stakeholders, and defining the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders are all essential components of good corporate governance. Enhancing the organization's long-term worth while also protecting its reputation and ensuring its continued viability are the objectives of good corporate governance.

43. Which of the following concepts are part of organizational culture? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        A company’s shared values

·        A company’s mission

·        A company’s stock price

·        A company’s history

44. What tools can a project manager incorporate to assist in project adoption? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, to capture stakeholder input

·        Flowcharts to illustrate the project’s development process

·        Culture mapping to illustrate how the company’s values, norms, and employees behavior may be affected by the project

·        Reporting charts to show the relationships among people and groups within the organization

45. As someone interviewing for a project management role, you want to understand the organizational culture of the company you’re interviewing with. Which of the following questions could help you learn about the atmosphere at the company? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        What are some of the ways the company celebrates success?

·        How do managers support and motivate their team?

·        What is the company’s dress code?

·        What is the average salary for the company’s project managers?

46. As a project manager, you want to integrate change management into your project. Which of the following questions will help you understand how to do so? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        What is the timeline for implementing my project?

·        What are the best means of communication for informing people about my product?

·        What other products are available to achieve the goals of my project?

·        What management practices will lead to the successful implementation of my project?

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post