PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
A project manager is leading a software development project in a matrix organization. The project manager shares resources with functional managers. In this type of organizational structure, which of the following BEST describes the project manager's authority?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Limited authority, sharing resources with functional managers
In a matrix structure, authority is shared between functional and project managers; the project manager typically has limited authority compared to a projectized organization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
No authority; the functional manager has all authority
Why it's wrong here
A matrix structure gives the project manager some authority over shared resources, not none; functional managers retain control of their staff, but the project manager still directs project work. Zero authority describes a functional organisation, where the functional manager alone assigns and prioritises the team's work.
- ✗
Full authority over the project team
Why it's wrong here
In a matrix organisation the project manager shares authority with functional managers over the same resources, so control is balanced or weak rather than full. It is tempting because project managers direct day-to-day task execution, but full authority over team members and their assignments belongs to a projectised structure.
- ✓
Limited authority, sharing resources with functional managers
Why this is correct
In a matrix organisation, functional managers retain line authority over shared staff, so the project manager negotiates resource availability rather than directing it. Authority is therefore limited and shared, matching the stem's description of resources split with functional managers.
- ✗
Authority only over project budget, not personnel
Why it's wrong here
Budget-only authority misstates the matrix split: the project manager typically shares authority over resources and priorities, not solely finances. This option tempts because weak matrix structures do limit the project manager, but the constraint concerns personnel and task direction, not exclusive budget control.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 954 original PK0-005 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PK0-005 exam.