CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager is assigned to a project in a matrix organization. Who typically has authority over resource assignment and prioritization?
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
✓
Functional manager
In a matrix organization, functional managers have authority over resource assignment and prioritization, as they control the personnel and their availability. The project manager coordinates the project but does not directly manage resources. Option A is correct. Option B (project sponsor) provides funding and support but not direct resource authority. Option C (project manager) may request resources but does not have authority over them. Option D (customer) defines requirements but not resource allocation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Functional manager
Why this is correct
Functional managers control resource allocation in a matrix structure.
- ✗
Project sponsor
Why it's wrong here
The sponsor provides funding and governance, not resource assignment.
- ✗
Project manager
Why it's wrong here
The project manager coordinates but does not have direct authority over resources.
- ✗
Customer
Why it's wrong here
The customer defines scope and requirements, not resource assignment.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI 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 CAPM exam.