Project structure

In this lesson

1. 0:00 How to structure your project effectively
2. 0:38 Pure project organisation explained
3. 2:42 Advantages of pure project structure
4. 4:06 Disadvantages of pure project structure
5. 5:32 Matrix management approach overview
6. 8:04 Three matrix structure styles compared
7. 10:55 Matrix structure advantages and disadvantages

About this lesson

This lesson covers two main approaches: pure project organisation, which uses a permanent board and flexible ad hoc team members, and matrix management, which creates dual reporting lines within traditional hierarchical organisations. You'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each structure, including the three matrix styles—lightweight, balanced, and heavyweight—so you can choose the right approach based on your organisation's needs and constraints. Pure project organisation works well when you need flexibility and want to minimise disruption to other departments. A permanent project board oversees the project manager, who coordinates team members brought in as needed. This reduces financial costs and preserves departmental productivity, but can lead to weaker communication, lower commitment, and inconsistencies as people move in and out. Matrix structures are better suited to rigid, functionally divided organisations. Team members report to both a project manager and their functional head, allowing cross-departmental collaboration. The lightweight version gives the project manager limited authority; the balanced version ties departmental income to project success, creating potential conflicts; and the heavyweight version allocates staff full-time to the project, ensuring focus but removing them from their home departments. While matrix structures improve decision-making and communication across specialisms, they create unclear accountability and can consume significant management time.

Duration: 12m