MG4031 week 7 lecture 2

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant disadvantage of a matrix structure in project management?

It can result in difficult accountability and authority tracking. (correct)

It provides specialized assistance for every project.

It maximizes the use of specialists.

It has a clear definition of project managers.

Which scenario is most suitable for implementing a matrix structure?

Short-run, complex products that need quick completion. (correct)

Long-term projects with minimal specialization required.

Projects with fixed and hierarchical management.

Simple products that are easily completed.

What is a potential result of interpersonal and command conflicts in a matrix organizational structure?

Increased innovation across projects.

Enhanced decision-making speed.

Broader organizational objectives alignment.

A power struggle between supervisors. (correct)

What aspect does a matrix structure primarily provide for project management?

Maximized use of specialists and flexibility in management. Signup and view all the answers

Which issue may arise from employees becoming narrow-sighted in a matrix structure?

Loss of focus on wider organizational objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of high formalisation within an organisation?

High quality and safety in operations Signup and view all the answers

Which structure allows for problems to be addressed immediately by employees?

Decentralised Structure Signup and view all the answers

Which organisational structure is characterized by direct supervision and minimal specialisation?

Simple Structure Signup and view all the answers

In which type of structure is decision making primarily centralised to maintain uniformity?

Machine Bureaucracy Signup and view all the answers

What role does responsibility play in organisational structures?

It involves an expectation of performance related to specific tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which organisational type exemplifies a stable environment requiring standardisation of skills?

Professional Bureaucracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a Divisionalised Structure?

Comprises autonomous divisions catering to distinct markets Signup and view all the answers

What is typically reduced as formalisation increases within an organization?

Employee engagement and initiative Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form of coordination in a machine bureaucracy?

Standardization of outputs Signup and view all the answers

Which organizational structure is characterized by a combination of functional and product/service structures?

Matrix structure Signup and view all the answers

What trend involves pushing decision-making responsibilities downwards in an organization?

Increased responsibility and authority Signup and view all the answers

What best describes adhocracies in terms of their organizational approach?

Decentralized with informal communication Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in job design reflect modern workforce requirements?

By extending division of labor and promoting multiskilling Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structural Operations

Formalization: The extent of rules and procedures in employee jobs. High formalization leads to high quality and safety but reduces autonomy.
Decision Making: Can be centralized (top-down) or decentralized (distributed). Centralization ensures uniformity, while decentralization allows for quicker problem-solving and employee development.
Responsibility: An obligation to complete a task. Delegation is assigning responsibility.
Authority: The right to direct performance. Power types were discussed in a previous week.

Universal Approaches to Organizational Design

Administrative Management (Fayol): Not detailed in this lecture. Refer to Week 2 Lecture 1 for further information.
Bureaucracy (Weber): Not detailed in this lecture. Refer to Week 2 Lecture 1 for further information.

Mintzberg Framework

Simple Structure: Found in small businesses. Coordination through direct supervision. CEO holds most power. Reactive to change. (e.g., local garages)
Machine Bureaucracy: Large, stable environments. Standardization of work processes. Centralized decision making. (e.g., mass production organizations)
Professional Bureaucracy: Complex, stable environments. Standardization of skills. Decentralized decision making. (e.g., universities)

Further Considerations

Matrix Structure: Combines functional and product/service structures. Employees have two supervisors. Suitable for diverse activities or project-based work but with potential for conflicts.
Divisionalised Structure: Large organizations with divisions. Each division can be a machine bureaucracy.
Adhocracy: Complex, dynamic environments. Coordination through mutual adjustment. Decentralized decision making, a lot of specialists. (e.g., innovative companies)
Modern Business Design Trends: Flatter hierarchies, changes in job design (flexible, multi-skilled), increased employee responsibility, team mechanisms.
Matrix Structure Advantages/Disadvantages: Innovation, specialization, flexible managers / two supervisors, interpersonal/command conflicts, slow decision-making.
Matrix Structure's Appropriateness: Suitable for short-term, complex products/projects. Requires strong alignment between functional groups.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts of organizational design, including formalization, decision-making styles, responsibility delegation, and authority structures. Understand the frameworks proposed by notable theorists like Fayol and Weber, as well as Mintzberg's simple structure model. Test your knowledge on how these elements influence organizational effectiveness.