Implementation and performance of a matrix organization structure

literature on matrix management, matrix structures

As part of our ongoing Matrix Monday series, which aims to share some of the limited literature available on the matrix, today we summarise Implementation and performance of a Matrix Organization structure: by John A. Kuprenas (International Journal of Project Management 21 (2003) 51–62)

Based on a case study of the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Public Works, specifically its Bureau of Engineering, this paper provides an overview of a matrix organization in implementation and operation. Its purpose is to help project managers look at how solutions can be found within their own matrix structures by learning how the challenges were identified and tackled within this case study research, and also aims to help managers perform an overall review of the effectiveness of entire organizational structure change.

The paper follows the case study from the identification of the need for a change in organizational structure, through to the implementation and creation of the matrix, and looks at problems encountered throughout this process as well as how these were managed.

It provides a relatively in-depth look at matrix creation and implementation, how performance improvements were experienced, and a delineation of functional manager and project manager roles and responsibilities within this organization.

This study found that despite implementation problems that were encountered, the performance of the organization while operating under a matrix structure was improved, and specific benefits to managers are documented within the paper.

The article can be purchased from Sciverse.

Further matrix related literature has been summarised in our Matrix Monday series, and for readers on Twitter, the hashtag #matrixmonday is being trialled as a way of sharing further work.

 

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