PHR / SPHR Exam For Dummies
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For the PMP Certification Exam, you will need to know that the first step in planning how to optimize your team is reviewing the resource requirements developed as a result of the Estimate Activity Resources process. These are compared with available internal resources and marketplace conditions to make a determination whether internal resources should be used or external resources will be needed.

You’ll want to consult the project management plan for information on the project lifecycle so that you can identify the skill sets you’re likely to need in each phase and how work will be conducted. As you figure out how to organize your team, take into consideration the environment in which you work. Are you in a functional, matrix, or project environment?

This information will tell you how much authority you are likely to have and how much influence you will have when it comes to setting up your team organizational structure. Here are the definitions of each type of organizational structure.

Functional organization. A hierarchical organization where each employee has one clear superior, and staff are grouped by areas of specialization and managed by a person with expertise in that area.

Matrix organization. Any organizational structure in which the project manager shares responsibility with the functional managers for assigning priorities and for directing the work of persons assigned to the project.

Projectized organization. Any organizational structure in which the project manager has full authority to assign priorities, apply resources, and direct the work of persons assigned to the project.

You also want to look at project organizational structures from prior projects and any existing roles and responsibility descriptions.

Assume that you are working in a matrix environment unless the question is phrased otherwise.

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