Working With Your Project Sponsor To Decide On The O

You Are Working With Your Project Sponsor To Decide On The Optimal P

You are working with your project sponsor to decide on the most effective project management structure for an upcoming large and complex project involving more than 100 team members. The project is comparable in scope and complexity to the Marriott International Headquarters relocation project, as detailed on the Montgomery County MD website. The sponsor has expressed skepticism about using a dedicated project team structure, sharing concerns similar to those highlighted in your textbook. You believe that either a dedicated team or a matrix structure would be suitable for this project and seek to convince the sponsor of the most successful choice.

When selecting a project management structure, it is crucial to consider the specific needs of the project, including the size, complexity, resource sharing, and organizational influence. The three primary structures discussed are functional organization, dedicated project teams, and matrix structures. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the project’s demands and organizational context. A thorough understanding of these options enables effective project execution by optimizing communication, authority, and resource allocation.

Recommended Structure and Justification

Given the nature of this large-scale, complex project, I recommend adopting a matrix organizational structure. The matrix structure combines aspects of functional and projectized organizations, allowing for effective resource sharing, strong project focus, and organizational flexibility. It is particularly well-suited for large projects that require collaboration across multiple departments and disciplines, such as the Marriott headquarters relocation.

In the matrix structure, team members report to both their functional managers and the project manager. This dual-reporting system facilitates the sharing of expertise and resources across functions, enhances communication, and encourages collaboration among specialists from varied departments. For example, architectural, engineering, and construction experts can work concurrently on different aspects of the project, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach.

One key advantage of the matrix structure is its ability to balance project and functional priorities, which is critical in projects where resources are limited and must be allocated dynamically. It supports the goal of maintaining technical excellence while adhering to project deadlines and budget constraints. Additionally, this structure fosters professional development by exposing team members to diverse project responsibilities and functional expertise, enhancing organizational agility.

However, implementing a matrix organization requires clear authority lines and effective communication channels to prevent conflicts and confusion. Properly defined roles and responsibilities, along with strong leadership by the project manager, are essential for success. When managed effectively, a matrix structure can lead to improved project performance, increased resource efficiency, and higher stakeholder satisfaction, making it the optimal choice for large and intricate projects like the one at hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the matrix organizational structure offers a balanced approach that combines the strengths of functional efficiency with the focused effort of dedicated project teams. Its flexibility, resource sharing capability, and ability to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration make it the most suitable structure for managing a complex project involving over 100 members. Deploying this structure with clear authority lines and effective communication will help achieve project objectives and ensure successful project delivery.

Discussion on Report Structures and Graph Types

Report Structure and Type Suggestions

a.) For the president’s request to study the company's pension plan and compare it to industry peers, a comprehensive written report such as an analytical or comparative report would be ideal. This report should include an executive summary, background information, detailed analysis of pension plans, comparison metrics, findings, and recommendations. An analytical report presents data clearly, supported by tables and charts, enabling informed decision-making.

b.) The division manager’s request for a 12-month promotional budget forecast should be addressed with a forecast report. This report must include forecast assumptions, projected budgets, detailed breakdowns, and justifications. It should be concise and include future projections based on historical data and market trends, suitable for operational planning and budget approval.

c.) The NIH grant study on advertising and drug sales warrants a research or scientific report. It should follow a structured format with an introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Emphasizing empirical data, statistical analysis, and interpretative insights will ensure the report meets scientific standards and aids policy or strategic decisions.

Suggested Graphs and Rationale

a.) For comparing changes in average annual per capita income for the U.S. and Japan from 2000 to 2018, a line graph is recommended. Line graphs are ideal for illustrating trends over time, making it easy to compare the direction and magnitude of income changes across countries.

b.) To show the percentage composition of family expenditures by major types for different age groups, a stacked bar chart is most suitable. This type of graph clearly displays the proportion of each expenditure category within total expenditures, facilitating comparative analysis between families headed by younger versus older individuals.

References

1. Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., & Mantel, S. J. (2020). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
2. Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
3. PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) — Sixth Edition. Project Management Institute.
4. Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2018). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.
5. Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
6. Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2019). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.
7. Hill, G. M. (2019). The Complete Project Management Office Handbook. CRC Press.
8. Friedman, R. (2021). The Art of Project Management. Springer.
9. Yazdi, J., & Mirmozaffari, S. (2018). Analyzing project management structures in large organizations. International Journal of Project Management, 36(4), 543-555.
10. Johnson, P., & Camilleri, M. A. (2019). Strategic International Management. Routledge.