PMP Exam tricks - The tight matrix

You are sure know the term: matrix organizational structure. In case you want refresh your knowledge just click here: Matrix Structure.

Matrix = 2 bosses or even more :(

There are different types of matrix structures and those are listed by Wikipedia. And now comes the PMI and may ask a question regarding the matrix structure. There will be four possible answers and one of them mentions "Tight Matrix". Sounds good but you don't seem to remember anything about tight matrix. Is it something form the movie? - probably Keanu Reeves worked in this type of system you may ponder. No no no. Tight matrix has nothing to do with organizational structures. Better to describe it as a co-located team.

It simple refers to locating the work places (offices) for the project team in the same room. But be aware that tight matrix might be used as one of the options for these questions on the exam just to confuse you:

A project manager would find team development the most difficult in which form of organization?
A. Weak Matrix organization
B. Balanced Matrix organization
C. Projectized organization
D. Tight Matrix organization

Confused? Read the answer here: http://certification.about.com/od/projectmanagement/a/pmp_a3_whiz.htm
Those who really want to know more about tight matrix click: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_management

The PMI kind of project

You should have a PMI kind of large project in your mind preparing for the exam, and this will help you to answer many questions right. So what is considered a large project by PMI?

• Utilize resources from many countries
• Have more than 200 people on the team
• Last longer than one year
• May encompass a major change to the company's business model
• Have a value of over 10'000'000 EUR
• Involve many stakeholders from many functional areas

So to be topical have for example the London Olympics in your mind when you answer the questions. This is a really huge project even by PMI terms.

Fun way to check the time on your project :)

Amazing clock not just for construction workers: http://www.standard-time.com/