CHAPTER 2 - PROJECT LIFE CYCLE AND ORGANIZATION 2 · Operations management. Operations managers are individuals who have a management role in a core business area, such as research and development, design, manufacturing, provisioning, testing, or maintenance. Unlike functional managers, these managers deal directly with producing and maintaining the saleable products or services of the enterprise. Depending on the type of project, a formal handoff occurs upon completion to pass technical project documentation and other permanent records into the hands of the appropriate operations management group. Operations management would then incorporate the handed off project into normal operations and provide the long term support. · Sellers/business partners. Sellers, also called vendors, suppliers, or contractors, are external companies that enter into a contractual agreement to provide components or services necessary for the project. Business partners are also external companies, but they have a special relationship with the enterprise, sometimes attained through a certification process. Business partners provide specialized expertise or fill a specified role such as installation, customization, training, or support. 2.4 Organizational Influences on Project Management The organizational culture, style, and structure influence how projects are performed. An organization's degree of project management maturity and its project management systems can also influence the project. When a project involves external entities as part of a joint venture or partnering, the project will be influenced by