Question

Many times on a Project you may need a different matrix structure in the beginning (Forming, Norming) section that you may need in the later parts of a Project (Executing and Close-out) If you were to shift from a Strong to a Weak Matrix environment when would you do it..? explain why

Answer 1

In a Matrix environment, it is a structure that creates dual lines of authority and combines functional and product departmentalization. Its two main advantages are that:

• Gains the advantages of functional and product departmentalization while avoiding their weaknesses.
• Facilitates coordination of complex and interdependent activities.

Such an environment could be suitable to various Projects but if I were to shift from a Strong to a Weak Matrix environment structure, I would do it almost at the fag-end of the Project, i.e. during the Executing and Close-out phase, because by now, a strong relationship would have anyway got established among the Project managers and workers so in turn, there shall be lesser need of instructions to be given by the Managers to such workers to get the work done. In fact, at this stage, since most of the processes would be on the verge of getting wrapped up, the weaker matrix environment may not create much of an issue because by now, the activities would have been highly channelized. The flow of the same would have got directed and only end results are to be awaited. Hence at this phase, the risk would be rather les to shift from a Strong to a Weak Matrix environment.