Organisational Structures

Organisational structures are designed using the principles of organisation, to specify the pattern of inter-relationship of various components of the organisation. Organisation chart shows the graphical representation of the organisational structure of any establishment. The organisation manual lays down the charter of position, roles, responsibilities, functions, duties and authority of each member of the organisation. 

Organisational structures are dictated by such factors as technology, complexity, resource availability, competition and decision making requirements. 

The important guidelines for designing of the project organisational structure include the following : 

• Organisational groups are designed to generally conform to the project work breakdown structure. 
• Each group is assigned responsibilities and allocated resources to meet the assigned tasks. 
• The size and structure of the organisation is changed due to alternation in requirements. However, the core project team continues till the end. 
• Project groups are suitably structured with emphasis on teamwork and informal relationship. 
• Organisational structure is kept flat to avoid bureaucratic tendencies and reduce channels of communication with the project manager. 

Generally, in any project, the functional heads constitutes the project management core group and the planning chief is entrusted with the responsibility of the co-ordination function. 

Staffing 

The staffing of the organisation describes the role and the involvement of the staff in each phase. This must clarify and indicate part-time or full-time employment of an individual. This will ensure that there is no uncertainty in an individuals mind about his role in each phase of the project, and has a clear idea as to when he finally reverts to his parent department. To ensure economy of effort, and to avoid any wastage in any "idle" capacity having been created, a "Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)" is included in supporting details to the organisational chart, lying down 'time' and 'degree' of "participation" and "accountability" of each member during various phases of the project, The RAM will also indicate as to when an individual's role may be 'reviewed' or when he 'signs off' from a phase, when not required. 

In the project management matrix structure, the key staff is derived from their respective parent departments in a corporate office and their interfaces and communication links are clearly defined.