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project managers and functional managers have different roles and responsibilities in an organization. Project managers take responsibility for completing a specific project or program within a specific time and budget framework. Functional managers have ongoing responsibility for managing the people and resources within a department to meet corporate and financial objectives. To complete certain tasks, both types of manager may work together, sharing resources or people.
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What are the differences between project management and traditional management?
Project Management is more or less of a standardized process for handling projects from inception to completion. Typically, a project manager works under a functional manager (I believe this is what you mean by traditional management). A functional manager usually has the resources and has more authority than the project manager. In small companies, a functional manager can also be a project manager.
How much authority should be assigned to the project manager?
Authority is usually never assigned to the Project Manager, it is either earned (grabbed) by the Project Manager or it is based on the type of organization (functional, projectized, matrix). Functional: The Project Manager has no or little authority over the resources. Projectized: The Project Manager has almost absolute authority. Matrix: A balance between functional and projectized.
What are the differences between a project coordinator and a project expediter?
They're actually pretty similar. A project expediter is somebody who keeps track of status but has no decision-making authority on a project at all. A project coordinator is someone who does pretty much the same thing, but does get to make some of the minor decisions on the project without having to run them by the functional manager. Coordinators usually report to somebody who is pretty high up in the organization, while expediters are more like assistants to the functional manager. Both of them usually exist in weak-matrix or functional organizations
Can a functional manager who considers his organization as strictly support still be dedicated to total project success?
It depends on how the outcome of the project will affect the functional manager. If the project success will positively affect him then he will be dedicated to the project's success
Can you use term project leader instead of project manager?
Yes you can, but there are some philosophical differences between the 2 terms as some think that a Project Leader is just a better Project Manager. The definition of a Project Leader is a Project Manager with great leadership skills.
What are the differences between project management and traditional management?
Project Management is more or less of a standardized process for handling projects from inception to completion. Typically, a project manager works under a functional manager (I believe this is what you mean by traditional management). A functional manager usually has the resources and has more authority than the project manager. In small companies, a functional manager can also be a project manager.
How much authority should be assigned to the project manager?
Authority is usually never assigned to the Project Manager, it is either earned (grabbed) by the Project Manager or it is based on the type of organization (functional, projectized, matrix). Functional: The Project Manager has no or little authority over the resources. Projectized: The Project Manager has almost absolute authority. Matrix: A balance between functional and projectized.
What are the advantages of the architect over the project manager in project management?
This question requires an elaborate answer, here's an excellent article on the differences (and the advantages) between the project architect and the project manager: http://www.pmhut.com/project-architect-vs-project-manager
What are the differences between a project coordinator and a project expediter?
They're actually pretty similar. A project expediter is somebody who keeps track of status but has no decision-making authority on a project at all. A project coordinator is someone who does pretty much the same thing, but does get to make some of the minor decisions on the project without having to run them by the functional manager. Coordinators usually report to somebody who is pretty high up in the organization, while expediters are more like assistants to the functional manager. Both of them usually exist in weak-matrix or functional organizations
Can a functional manager who considers his organization as strictly support still be dedicated to total project success?
It depends on how the outcome of the project will affect the functional manager. If the project success will positively affect him then he will be dedicated to the project's success
Can you use term project leader instead of project manager?
Yes you can, but there are some philosophical differences between the 2 terms as some think that a Project Leader is just a better Project Manager. The definition of a Project Leader is a Project Manager with great leadership skills.
What is the difference between strong and weak matrix organisational structure?
The weak matrix. In this case a project manager oversees staff from different functions but still reports in to his or her functional manager. Such a structuring of the project allows some engagement of those with a stake in the project and enhances the possibility for communication across functional areas - but it is still hierarchical and for this reason retains most of the problems associated with a functional organisation. The strong matrix - In the strong matrix the project manager is independent of functional management. Indeed in this model it is the role of functional managers to support the project by providing technical expertise and assigning resources as and when required. Of course in this structure there is potential for conflict between the project manager and the functional manager over resource assignment and cost allocation - as a result excellent communication, strong relationships and a flexible working culture are required.
Types of conflicts among project manager line manager and functional manager during project life cycle?
Please open the book "Project Management" by Harold Kerzner
What is the difference between project manager and assistant project manager?
The difference is the assistant project manager has to confer with the project manager on major decisions.
What is the word when a person managing project at the same time?
Do you mean doing management and managing the project at the same time? This is usually called a Functional Manager/Project Manager hybrid.
What is the difference between project manager and ordinary manager?
A project manager oversees one particular project where a manager deals in general projects
How is project management different from general management?
Project Management is about managing a finite project, that has both a beginning and an end. A Project Manager communicates with a Manager in an Organizational Hierarchy regarding resources, budget, etc... In answer to your question, Project Management is not part of management. Note that a Project Manager can also be a functional manager (or in short, a manager) in small companies.
