Cross-Functional Structures: A Review and Integration of Matrix Organization and Project Management

1992 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Ford ◽  
W. Alan Randolph
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
Project Leader ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Matrix Organization ◽  
Project Characteristics ◽  
Team Characteristics ◽  
Definition Of

In this article, we review and summarize the literature on crossfunctional organization forms that has been published since 1976. We focus on the commonalities of the literatures that deal with matrix organization and project management. With a definition of cross-functional organization in hand, we review the literature for advantages and disadvantages of these organization forms, ending the section with a discussion of the great needfor empirical research to resolve numerous questions and paradoxes. Finally, we review a model for effective cross-functional organizations, comprising environmental influences, organizational characteristics, project characteristics, project team characteristics, project leader characteristics, and project effectiveness. Each section ends with a discussion of needed research, and the article ends with a call for research and theory building regarding cross-functional organizations, which continue to grow in application importance.

Training Teams in Managing Projects in a Matrix Structure

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lior Davidovitch ◽  
Avi Parush ◽  
Tom Hewett ◽  
Avy Shtub
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Team Learning ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Matrix Structure ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Dynamic Stochastic ◽  
Matrix Organization

Projects are performed in different kinds of organizations: functional structure, project-based structure or matrix structure. The matrix organization is a combination of the functional organization and the “pure” project organization. In a matrix organization, there are usually two chains of command. The chain dealing with issues related to the functional division and the chain dealing with issues related to the project. Due to the split authority between project managers and functional managers, management becomes much more complicated. The cooperation between the project managers is vital for the matrix organization to perform well. Therefore, training teams of project managers in the matrix structure environment is required. A new method for training teams of project managers is presented. The proposed method is based on a real-time simulation called the Project Team Builder (PTB). PTB simulates a dynamic, stochastic multi-project management environment. A project management course for graduate students in systems engineering utilized PTB. The students used the simulator in a multi-user multi-project mode. A class of undergraduate engineering students participated in the same experiment as a control group. The 132 participants were divided into teams of three students (44 teams) which performed repetitive simulation-runs. Three factors were investigated: 1. Previous experience, 2. History recording mechanism, and 3. Team debriefing process. The findings indicate that for the initial learning phase, and for the transfer to different scenario phase, these three independent factors affect the performances. Furthermore, the interactions between the experience and history factors; between the experience and debriefing factors; and between the history and debriefing factors were all significant. Based on these findings a new paradigm for simulation-based team-learning model in a matrix organization structure is presented. The new model includes integration of history mechanism and debriefing procedure in the Kolb’s Team Learning Experience model.

The Matrix Organization: Can the Human Factors Specialist Thrive or Merely Survive?

1988 ◽  
Vol 32 (13) ◽  
pp. 803-806
Author(s):  
Charles Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Matrix Structure ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Matrix Organization

An increasing amount of Human Factors (HF) Specialists are providing their services through matrix organizations. If the Human Factors Specialist is to be successful, an understanding of recent organizational research involving matrix organizations is important. This paper differentiates among three basic types of organizations: the Functional organization, the Product organization, and the Matrix organization and examines the organizational pressures that force organizations to turn to a matrix organization. The advantages and disadvantages are explored. As the matrix structure grows in popularity, Human Factors Specialists familiar with the principles of a matrix organization, will be better equipped to deliver their services in the most effective manner.

Bewertung lichter Wälder im Kanton Zürich und der Nutzen für das Projektmanagement | Evaluation of open forest in Canton Zurich and its significance for project management

2006 ◽  
Vol 157 (8) ◽  
pp. 303-309
Author(s):  
René Bertiller ◽  
Andreas Keel ◽  
Hans-Peter Stutz
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Open Forests ◽  
Initial Results ◽  
The Way

In 2004, the canton of Zurich possessed 376 hectares of uninterrupted open forest. Such stretches of forest provide essential habitats for animal species that favour both light and heat. Standardised surveys, and available data relative to existing flora and fauna has greatly facilitated the evaluation of the forest's vegetation and inhabitants. This contribution presents both the methods used, and the initial results. The advantages and disadvantages of the so called LiWa-indicator are discussed,and the way this evaluation method can be used to manage the plan of action entitled «Open forests in Canton Zurich»is illustrated.

Historical Experience of Criminalization: to the Centenary of the Guiding Principles on Criminal Law of the RSFSR

2019 ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Ivan Kozachenko
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Law ◽  
Criminal Code ◽  
Historical Experience ◽  
Law System ◽  
Political Situation ◽  
Historical Method ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Concept Planning ◽  
Guiding Principles ◽  
Definition Of

The creation of the Guiding Principles on the Criminal Law of the RSFSR of 1919 is studied taking into account extremely complicated internal and external political situation in the country at the beginning of the twentieth century. Using the methods of analysis, synthesis, as well as comparative and historical method, the author determines the significance of the Guiding Principles in the law system of the young Soviet state. Some key norms of the document are examined. In particular, the definition of criminal law is analyzed and its advantages and disadvantages are identified. It is noted that the definition of a crime was formulated too broadly, and more significant steps in criminalization of different acts were made with the adoption of the RSFSR Criminal Code of 1922. It is indicated which persons were not punished according to the Guidelines. Attention is drawn to the way in which such a method of protection as necessary defense was set forth in this act. The Guiding Principles are not without certain disadvantages: for example, the institution of complicity is not sufficiently disclosed, there is lexical redundancy in the definition of the concept «planning the offence». However, the discrepancies between the main provisions covered in the Guidelines are explainable and excusable, taking into account the historical situation at the time of their adoption. The analyzed document became the basis for Russian criminal law, and some of its provisions are still relevant.

Modern Conception of Combined “ICS”-approach (“Information, Cybernetic and Synergetic”) for Analysis and Optimization of Legal Ergasystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-81
Author(s):  
D. A. Lovtsov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Physical Nature ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Cybernetic System ◽  
Methodological Principles ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Concept Of Information ◽  
Theoretical Apparatus

Introduction. The lack of a coherent systemology law does not enable the use of evidence-based formalization to solve the basic theoretical problems of law interpretation and enforcement. The development of an appropriate formal-theoretical apparatus is possible on the basis of a productive systemological concept. The justification of this concept is based on the study of philosophical bases and fundamental principles (integrity, dynamic equilibrium, feedback, etc.) and the use of logical and linguistic methods of problem-oriented system approach. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The conceptual and logical modeling of legal ergasystems, the systems analysis and resolution of the theory-applied base of technology of two-tier legal regulation; the synthesis and modification of private scientific results of the author published in 2000–2019, with copyright in the author’s scientific works and educational publications. Results. The contemporary conceptual variant of combined “ICS”-approach (“information, cybernetic and synergetic”) as a general methodology of analysis and optimization of legal ergasystems, as characterized by the following conditions: the substantiation of the appropriate three-part set of methodological research principles, corresponding to the triple-aspect physical nature of the study of complex legal systems as ergasystems; the clarification of the conceptual and logical model of the legal ergasystem taking into account the fundamental feedback principle; the definition of the law of necessary diversity of William R. Ashby is justified and corresponding conditions of realize of effective technology of two-level (normative and individual) legal regulation; the definition of basic concepts and methodological principles of modern systemology of legal regulation; the justification of the functional organization of the Invariant Rational Control Loop. Discussion and Conclusion. A developed conceptual object-oriented version of combined “ICS”-approach for analysis and optimization of legal ergasystems is a methodological basis for the development of a working formal-theoretical apparatus of legal regulation systemology. This will formalize the decisions of the main theoretical problems of law interpretation and enforcement, as well as developing and implementing special information and legal technologies based on the concept of information and functional databases and knowledge. This will in turn ensure the information increases the effectiveness of the system of legal regulation of public relations as an information and cybernetic system subject to the subjective organizing process of human activity and the objective synergetic processes of disorganization.

Managing Science

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Peach
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Budget Planning ◽  
Cooperation And Competition ◽  
Leadership Management ◽  
Annual Budget ◽  
Proposal Writing ◽  
Definition Of

Managing science, which includes managing scientific research and, implicitly, managing scientists, has much in common with managing any enterprise, and most of these issues (e.g. annual budget planning and reporting) form the background. Equally, much scientific research is carried in universities ancient and modern, which have their own mores, ranging from professorial autocracy to democratic plurality, as well as national and international with their missions and styles. But science has issues that require a somewhat different approach if it is to prosper and succeed. Society now expects science, whether publicly or privately funded, to deliver benefits, yet the definition of science presumes no such benefit. Managing the expectations of the scientist with those of society is the challenge of the manager of science. The book addresses some issues around science and the organizations that do science. It then deals with leadership, management and communication, team building, recruitment, motivation, managing scientists, assessing performance, cooperation and competition. This is followed by a discussion of proposal writing and reviewing, committees and meetings, project management, risk and health and safety. Finally, there is a discussion on how to deal with disaster, how to cope with the stresses of management and how to deal with difficult problems.

scholarly journals Validity of the Gender Dysphoria diagnosis and incidence trends in Sweden: a nationwide register study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Indremo ◽  
Richard White ◽  
Thomas Frisell ◽  
Sven Cnattingius ◽  
Alkistis Skalkidou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Dysphoria ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Incidence Trends ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Nationwide Register Study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the validity of the Gender Dysphoria (GD) diagnoses in the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR), to discuss different register-based definitions of GD and to investigate incidence trends. We collected data on all individuals with registered GD diagnoses between 2001 and 2016 as well as data on the coverage in the NPR. We regarded gender confirming medical intervention (GCMI) as one proxy for a clinically valid diagnosis and calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) for receiving GCMI for increasing number of registered GD diagnoses. We assessed crude and coverage-adjusted time trends of GD during 2004–2015 with a Poisson regression, using assigned sex and age as interaction terms. The PPV for receiving GCMI was 68% for ≥ 1 and 79% for ≥ 4 GD-diagnoses. The incidence of GD was on average 35% higher with the definition of ≥ 1 compared to the definition of ≥ 4 diagnoses. The incidence of GD, defined as ≥ 4 diagnoses increased significantly during the study period and mostly in the age categories 10–17 and 18–30 years, even after adjusting for register coverage. We concluded that the validity of a single ICD code denoting clinical GD in the Swedish NPR can be questioned. For future research, we propose to carefully weight the advantages and disadvantages of different register-based definitions according to the individual study’s needs, the time periods involved and the age-groups under study.

scholarly journals The Role of Consumer Autonomy in Developing Sustainable AI: A Conceptual Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2332
Author(s):  
Lena Bjørlo ◽  
Øystein Moen ◽  
Mark Pasquine
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Aids ◽  
Privacy Regulation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Fundamental Significance ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Online Decision Making ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Consumer Autonomy

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision aids are increasingly employed by businesses to assist consumers’ decision-making. Personalized content based on consumers’ data brings benefits for both consumers and businesses, i.e., with regards to more relevant content. However, this practice simultaneously enables increased possibilities for exerting hidden interference and manipulation on consumers, reducing consumer autonomy. We argue that due to this, consumer autonomy represents a resource at the risk of depletion and requiring protection, due to its fundamental significance for a democratic society. By balancing advantages and disadvantages of increased influence by AI, this paper addresses an important research gap and explores the essential challenges related to the use of AI for consumers’ decision-making and autonomy, grounded in extant literature. We offer a constructive, rather than optimistic or pessimistic, outlook on AI. Hereunder, we present propositions suggesting how these problems may be alleviated, and how consumer autonomy may be protected. These propositions constitute the fundament for a framework regarding the development of sustainable AI, in the context of online decision-making. We argue that notions of transparency, complementarity, and privacy regulation are vital for increasing consumer autonomy and promoting sustainable AI. Lastly, the paper offers a definition of sustainable AI within the contextual boundaries of online decision-making. Altogether, we position this paper as a contribution to the discussion of development towards a more socially sustainable and ethical use of AI.

Forestry Working Groups/Groupes du travail

1989 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-224
Author(s):  
J. J. E. Dosne
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Tropical Forestry ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Definition Of

The advantages and disadvantages of working in developing countries are reviewed. The definition of a developing country and the aid it receives from Canada are analysed. Projects in these countries do not harm the Canadian industry. The development of natural resources is a priority of international organisations, after health, sanitation and education. Organisations interested in this development are listed. A few notes of forestry projects in Turkey, Jamaica, Honduras, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Costa Rica are enclosed; as well as an ideal project in New Caledonia where they have assumed their own responsibility. A message: all Canadian faculties of forestry, should give a few courses on tropical forestry because of its need and the increasing demand for Canadian foresters in this field. All who have worked overseas agree that there is a certain satisfaction in having contributed to the advancement of developing countries.

scholarly journals Establishing a Comprehensive English Teaching Pattern Combining the Communicative Teaching Method and the Grammar-Translation Method

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Kong
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
New Method ◽  
Translation Method ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Grammar Translation Method ◽  
Teaching Pattern ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Communicative Teaching

Based on the current contradiction between the grammar-translation method and the communicative teaching method in English teaching, this paper, starting with clarifying the task of comprehensive English as well as the definition of the two teaching methods, objectively analyzes their advantages and disadvantages and proposes establishing a new method by fusing them with an elaboration on the reasonability of combining them in the practical teaching of comprehensive English with their complementary advantages.

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