PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
A project manager works in an organization where team members report to both a functional manager and a project manager. The project manager has moderate authority and shares resource control with the functional manager. Which type of organizational structure does this describe?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the distinction between weak, balanced, and strong matrix by varying the project manager's authority level — candidates frequently confuse 'moderate authority' with weak matrix or overlook the shared resource control that defines balanced matrix.
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
A balanced matrix structure is defined by a project manager who shares authority and resource control roughly equally with functional managers. Team members report to both, and the PM has moderate — not low or high — authority. This matches the scenario exactly, distinguishing it from weak matrix (PM has limited authority) and 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.
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Functional
Why it's wrong here
A functional structure gives the functional manager sole authority over resources, with no shared reporting line to a project manager, so it cannot match shared resource control. It is tempting because functional managers still exist in matrix organisations, and a purely functional setup would be correct where projects are coordinated within one department and no dedicated project manager holds authority.
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Projectized
Why it's wrong here
A projectized structure gives the project manager high authority and full control of resources, with team members reporting solely to them. This option tempts because project managers in projectized organisations do hold strong resource control, yet the stem's shared authority with a functional manager describes a balanced matrix instead.
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Weak Matrix
Why it's wrong here
A weak matrix gives the functional manager dominant authority over resources, leaving the project manager with limited power, whereas the stem specifies moderate authority and shared control. It is tempting because both weak and balanced matrices involve dual reporting lines, and a weak matrix would be correct if the functional manager clearly held the greater share of resource control.
- ✓
Balanced Matrix
Why this is correct
A balanced matrix grants the project manager moderate authority while resource control is shared equally with the functional manager, matching the stem's dual-reporting arrangement. Unlike a strong matrix, where the project manager holds dominant resource control, or a weak matrix, where the functional manager prevails, this structure splits power evenly between both managers.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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