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You are working with your project sponsor to decide on the optimal project management structure for an upcoming complex project that will involve more than 100 members. The project is similar in complexity to the Marriott Hotel headquarters relocation project, described in the Marriott International Headquarters and Hotel Project on the Montgomery County MD website. The sponsor believes that a dedicated project team structure will not work and has concerns about this structure similar to those noted in your textbook. You are confident that a dedicated team structure or a matrix structure will work for the project.

Select the structure you think will be the most successful. Describe that structure to the sponsor and explain why you believe it will be successful.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective project management structures are critical for the success of large and complex projects involving extensive teams, such as the project to relocate Marriott International’s headquarters. Given the scope and complexity, selecting an appropriate organizational structure entails understanding the project's demands, team dynamics, communication channels, and control mechanisms. I propose adopting a matrix organizational structure for this project, as I believe it offers the flexibility, communication efficiency, and resource sharing necessary to manage over 100 team members effectively.

A matrix structure combines elements of both functional and projectized structures. In a typical matrix organization, team members report to both a functional manager and a project manager. This dual-reporting system fosters resource sharing across departments, enabling the project team to leverage specialized expertise from different functional areas such as architecture, engineering, logistics, and construction management. For a project this size and complexity, a matrix structure facilitates better coordination and communication, which are essential for aligning diverse activities towards a common goal.

One key reason this structure will be successful is its ability to optimize resource utilization. Unlike a dedicated project team structure, which may lead to resource silos, a matrix organization promotes sharing resources across multiple projects and functional units. This flexibility ensures that skilled personnel can be assigned where they are most needed, and their expertise can be leveraged efficiently. For a relocation project similar in complexity to the Marriott headquarters move, this adaptability is crucial for managing the interplay of design, construction, legal, and logistical teams.

Additionally, a matrix structure enhances communication pathways. Because team members maintain ties with functional managers and the project manager, information flows more freely and quickly. This is essential in implementing the detailed plans, addressing unforeseen challenges, and maintaining transparency among over 100 team members. It fosters a collaborative environment, which is vital for high-stakes projects that involve multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

However, implementing a matrix structure does require careful management to prevent conflicts in authority and resource allocation. Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, along with well-defined reporting lines, is necessary to avoid confusion. Training managers and team members on conflict resolution and communication best practices can mitigate these risks. Moreover, strong leadership from the project manager, with support from functional managers, will be pivotal in ensuring smooth operation within this structure.

In conclusion, while the dedicated project team structure offers benefits for straightforward projects with limited scope, it may lack the flexibility needed for the complex, multi-disciplinary nature of this project. The matrix organizational structure, with its blend of functional expertise and project focus, provides an optimal balance. It enables efficient resource sharing, facilitates effective communication, and supports the coordination required to execute a large-scale relocation successfully. For these reasons, I believe that adopting a matrix structure will likely result in a smoother project execution and ultimately, a successful outcome.

References

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- Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information Technology Project Management (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

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- PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). Project Management Institute.

- Larson, E., & Gray, C. (2018). Project Management: The Managerial Process (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

- Pinto, J. K. (2019). Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage (4th ed.). Pearson.

- Williams, T. (2019). Modelling Complex Projects. John Wiley & Sons.

- Cleland, D. I., & Ireland, L. R. (2007). Project Management: Strategic Design and Implementation. McGraw-Hill.

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- Turner, J. R. (2014). Handbook of Project-Based Management (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.