PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
A project manager is working in an organization where the project team members report to both a functional manager and the project manager. The project manager has moderate authority and shares resource management with functional managers. This is an example of which organizational structure?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the boundary between weak and balanced matrix — candidates confuse 'moderate authority with shared resources' (balanced) with 'limited authority' (weak).
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
✓
Balanced matrix
In a balanced matrix organization, the project manager has moderate authority and shares resource control with functional managers, while team members report to both. This dual reporting line and shared authority are the defining characteristics of a balanced matrix. It sits between the weak matrix (PM has low authority) and the strong matrix (PM has high authority).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Balanced matrix
Why this is correct
A balanced matrix gives the project manager moderate authority while functional managers retain control of resources, matching the shared resource management described. Neither the weak nor strong matrix produces this equal split of power between both managers.
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Functional
Why it's wrong here
A functional structure keeps team members reporting solely to their functional manager, with no shared project authority. It is tempting because functional organisations do assign project work, but the project manager there holds little to no formal authority and does not share resource management.
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Projectized
Why it's wrong here
Projectized structures place team members under the project manager alone, who holds high authority and full resource control; no functional manager shares it. It is tempting because projectized gives the project manager the strongest authority, which sounds desirable, and fits scenarios with dedicated, co-located teams.
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Weak matrix
Why it's wrong here
A weak matrix gives the functional manager the dominant authority over resources, leaving the project manager with limited power. It is tempting because weak matrix also involves dual reporting, so it fits scenarios where the project manager coordinates but functional managers clearly control staff and budgets.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.