Case Study : Matrix Management Structure

Alternative structures such as grouping by output/product or grouping by market are not options as they would result in “duplication of activities and resources, the erosion of deep technical expertise, missed opportunities for synergies and learning” (Ancona, Kochan, Scully, Van Maanen, & Westney, 2009, p. M2-19). The matrix structure provided a potential positive aspect in that it would provide a needed cross-functional linking mechanism by mixing the functional structure with grouping by output/product, but the complexity, cost, dual systems, and dual roles resulting from the matrix structure historically resulted in either the functional or the output/product system becoming more powerful than the other.

The paper is divided into three sections, the first of which will establish a timeline of events. This project background will serve as a case study for the analysis in the following section that will be structured such that each of the previously mentioned facets will be independently analyzed and contrasted with project management principles. Finally the paper will conclude with a summary of the analysis and recommendations based on

Lastly, the matrix structure is a combination of the functional and multidivisional structures (Rothaermel, 2013). It is most appropriate when an organization needs a structure which allows for both centralized and decentralized decision-making, and can be organized by geographic areas and product divisions (Rothaermel, 2013). While a global strategy does not automatically lend to a matrix structure, a transnational strategy which has the requirements above is better served through a matrix structure (Rothaermel, 2013).

The Matrix Organization structure will be used to complete this project plan. The General Manager will

MindTools, n.d. Blake Mouton Managerial Grid. Retrieved July 20, 2014 from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_73.htm [Accessed 16 June 2012

The main challenge facing Multi Project Inc. matrix structure is how the organisation communicates between the various departments. Understanding how various department heads and project managers share resources and what the shared resource roles are under the department head and within the project.

By analysing these areas it is apparent there are lessons to be learnt when undertaking enormous projects that are exposed to numerous external pressures. Whilst there were many significant negative issues that ascended from this project, it must be emphasised that over due time, Federal Square has developed itself into a cultural epicenter that feeds a thriving city.

This refers to how activities such as task allocation, coordination and supervision are directed towards achievement of organizational goals, therefore it seeks to define a way an organization conducts its business, treats its employee, customer and wider community. Moreover, Google represents a cross- functional structure also known as matrix or flat structure. This means that employees, groups or teams can bypass middle management and report directly to the top management, one being the CEO, Sundar Pichai.

Project Management Institute. (2000). _A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (4th ed.)._

ABB is the world's largest builder of electricity grids and is active in many sectors, its core businesses being in power and automation technologies. The company has one corporate division and five production divisions since reorganization in January 2010. ABB is one of the few large companies that have successfully implemented the matrix structure in their organization. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABB_Group, 2015)

Within the project-based organizations is developed throughout the completion of projects. Between the non-project based organizations, the other areas of the project are completed

2. The current structure of the team only has one Manager whose time is split between two teams with more time being spent towards Development(Atlas, STELLAKM) and little about managing the firms Application Portfolio and providing guidance to the team.

“A matrix organizational structure represents the middle ground between functional and project structures. Personnel often report both to a functional manager and one or more project managers” (Schwalbe, 2014). In the CDB project Corporate Banking, Corporate Trust, and Consumer banking involve to this project. Project Management Office is a good way to coordinate the contradiction between those divisions.

As seen from figure 2, the matrix organisational structure is complex and aligns functional and divisional organisational structures merged into a hierarchical structure. The student observes that with this comes the potential to on the one hand, improve interdepartmental collaboration through avoiding silo-functioning and yet, on the other hand, blur the unity of command structure in an organisation that can be counterproductive. A critical analysis of two major advantages and disadvantages of this organisational structure here

At least two different organizational structures are identified, described, and compared in terms of their design principles.