Project Management Challenges Research Proposal

Project Management Challenges - Research Proposal Example For Project Managers to work effectively, collaboration with Functional manager is mandatory. Let’s understand who functional managers are and how they differ from project managers. Functional managers are those who are managing the core operations of the business and are appointed permanently, usually for a longer period of time. On the other hand, Project Managers are appointed for a particular task such as building a new branch, constructing a port etc. Project Managers are usually appointed for a particular period of time whose job is completed after the completion of the project. Any organization may choose from various combinations of power strategy that are assigned to the Functional Manager and the Project Manager. These types are Weak Matrix, Balanced Matrix, Strong Matrix and Projectized (JOSH, 2009). Project Managers might be dependent on Functional managers for various things. For example, Project managers usually borrow staff from functional managers when they are short of team members. Sometimes, the project manager is a functional manager too where he/she performs the additional job of a project manager. For example, a restaurant business wants to expand its business in another city. The CEO might appoint the Operation Manager of the main branch, the additional task of Project Manager for building the design, processes, menu, hiring employees etc of the new branch in this new city. Appointing your own Functional Manager as the Project Manager is helpful in various ways. The Project Manager, in such cases, knows the culture, system, processes, vision, and mission of the company. It will also save cost as hiring a new project manager will cost a hefty amount and your own functional manager might not need that much amount. It is necessary for functional management to effectively coordinate, communicate and work collaboratively with the project management team. Project Managers might need a lot of information from the functional managers for v arious things. The authorities given to project managers are usually restricted, especially the cost and expenditure control, legislative decision making etc for the reason that Project Managers might not have sufficient experience of handling specific tasks. Thus, usually, financial controls are not given to the PM. However, many Project Management specialists say that they should have control over costs and expenditure within a specified and agreed limit. This should be one reason why Functional Manager must collaborate closely with the project manager and understand their compelling issues. The ultimate aim of a Project Manager is to make happy the project sponsors and all stakeholders included through efficient completion of the project without consuming an excessive amount of money and time.