Quick Answer
The answer is the functional manager, who holds resource authority in a matrix organization. This is because matrix structures split power between functional and project managers: the functional manager controls resource assignment, prioritization, and people’s day-to-day work, while the project manager focuses on coordinating the project’s scope, schedule, and budget. On the CAPM exam, this distinction tests your understanding of organizational structures and authority boundaries—a common trap is assuming the project manager has resource control, but in reality they only request resources. To remember this, think of the functional manager as the “resource owner” who decides who works on what and when, while the project manager is the “resource borrower.” A quick mnemonic: “FM owns the people; PM owns the plan.”
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of project management fundamentals and core concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A project manager is assigned to a project in a matrix organization. Who typically has authority over resource assignment and prioritization?
Functional manager
Functional managers control resource allocation in a matrix structure.
Project sponsor
Why wrong: The sponsor provides funding and governance, not resource assignment.
Project manager
Why wrong: The project manager coordinates but does not have direct authority over resources.
Customer
Why wrong: The customer defines scope and requirements, not resource assignment.
Answer choices
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 hold authority over resources and their assignments, while the project manager coordinates the project. Option B is correct. Option A (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.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
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.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAPM NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — This question tests Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Functional manager — In a matrix organization, functional managers hold authority over resources and their assignments, while the project manager coordinates the project. Option B is correct. Option A (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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAPM NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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