Task 6 Project Management
Task 6
The Matrix Structure
Department
Head
Function
Manager
Function
Manager
Function
Manager
Project
A
Project
B
Project
B
This structure is one of the most commonly used structures in today’s organisations and is designed in a way that groups employees by both function and product. In a matrix structure, individuals work across teams and projects as well as within their own department or function. For example, a project or task team established to develop a new product might include engineers and design specialists as well as those with marketing, financial, personnel and production skills. These teams can be temporary or permanent depending on the tasks they are asked to complete. Each team member can find himself/herself with two managers - their normal functional manager as well as the team leader of the project.
Task 6 The matrix structure has many advantages such as: * Likely to result in greater motivation amongst the team members * The cross functional teams of a matrix structure reduce the functional barriers between departments, and increase the integration of functions. * There are few communication problems as the project manager can plan the work and the functional manager can manage the staff.. * Each team member can be briefed on delivery, schedules and planning which gives a clear understanding of the project objectives. * Functional managers can simply reassign staff to other projects to ease the problems associated with project shutdown Disadvantages * The functional and project managers must be able to communicate effectively and carry out the roles responsibilities correctly otherwise the success of the project may be jeopardised. * Due to there being two managers responsible for each team member there is a greater risk of conflict as each manager may have different managerial skills and ways of working * There is potential for balance
The Matrix Structure
Department
Head
Function
Manager
Function
Manager
Function
Manager
Project
A
Project
B
Project
B
This structure is one of the most commonly used structures in today’s organisations and is designed in a way that groups employees by both function and product. In a matrix structure, individuals work across teams and projects as well as within their own department or function. For example, a project or task team established to develop a new product might include engineers and design specialists as well as those with marketing, financial, personnel and production skills. These teams can be temporary or permanent depending on the tasks they are asked to complete. Each team member can find himself/herself with two managers - their normal functional manager as well as the team leader of the project.
Task 6 The matrix structure has many advantages such as: * Likely to result in greater motivation amongst the team members * The cross functional teams of a matrix structure reduce the functional barriers between departments, and increase the integration of functions. * There are few communication problems as the project manager can plan the work and the functional manager can manage the staff.. * Each team member can be briefed on delivery, schedules and planning which gives a clear understanding of the project objectives. * Functional managers can simply reassign staff to other projects to ease the problems associated with project shutdown Disadvantages * The functional and project managers must be able to communicate effectively and carry out the roles responsibilities correctly otherwise the success of the project may be jeopardised. * Due to there being two managers responsible for each team member there is a greater risk of conflict as each manager may have different managerial skills and ways of working * There is potential for balance