Project structure

Project structure consists of a project team appointed to carry out tasks with a unique, comprehensive and innovative character. It is created for both short-term and permanent projects and projects such as: the development of an innovative, task analysis, diagnostic and design. It is complex and must directly engage the controller and key decision makers. Operational activities are generally stable, allowing standardization of procedures and predicting the behaviour of the system.

Project structures are usually modification of common organizational structures, mostly functional. Their essence is to create project teams, cells and task forces to carry out specific tasks. These tasks have usually comprehensive and innovative character. They are exactly specified concerning:

• content of task,
• scope,
• cost and time of realization.

Types of project structures

Creating project structures face problems with sharing of tasks and responsibilities between company's native organizational structure, and a temporary project structure. To solve this problem, managers should choose from various subtypes of project structures differing by position in management and unit autonomy. These are the following forms:

• linear structure
• linear-staff structure,
• matrix structure,
• clean project structure,
• subsidiary created to perform project,
• implementation of a project by subcontractors.

Advantages

The advantages of the project structure include, among others:

• use of the expertise of specialists,
• high flexibility and ability to respond quickly to emerging problems during the implementation of the project
• relieving management of day-to-day management of the complex project

Disadvantages

The application of project structures creates also some disadvantages:

• rivalry between the individual projects in the same company,
• emerging tension and conflicts between the project team, and the rest of the company,
• lack of a sense of stability and uncertainty of the members of the teams,
• the possibility of overlapping of some activities in different projects
• the possibility of stabilization of the project teams and the desire to drag the project to infinity,

Examples of Project structure

• Software Development: A software development project structure typically includes a project manager, software developers, system architects, database experts, testers and quality assurance personnel, and a customer service team. The project manager is responsible for coordinating and managing the development team, while the system architects are responsible for designing the software architecture and database structure. The software developers are responsible for coding the software, while the testers and quality assurance personnel are responsible for ensuring the quality of the software. The customer service team is responsible for providing support and maintenance for the software.
• Construction: A construction project structure can include a project manager, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, subcontractors, and workers. The project manager is responsible for overseeing the entire project, while the architects and engineers are responsible for designing the construction plans. The designers are responsible for creating the plans and drawings of the project, while the contractors are responsible for hiring and managing the subcontractors and workers. The subcontractors and workers are responsible for completing the physical construction of the project.
• Marketing: A marketing project structure can include a project manager, marketers, designers, writers, and analysts. The project manager is responsible for coordinating and managing the marketing team, while the marketers are responsible for creating marketing campaigns and strategies. The designers are responsible for creating visuals and managing the aesthetics of the campaigns, while the writers are responsible for creating content to promote the campaigns. The analysts are responsible for analyzing the data and evaluating the effectiveness of the campaigns.

Other approaches related to Project structure

A project structure can be established utilizing a variety of approaches, such as:

• Agile Methodology: Agile methodology focuses on rapid prototyping, iterative development, and continuous improvement. This approach is generally used for complex projects with a high degree of uncertainty and a need for rapid response.
• Waterfall Model: The Waterfall model is a linear approach that focuses on sequential tasks that move in one direction from the beginning to the end of the project. This approach is used for projects with well-defined tasks and objectives.
• Scrum: Scrum is an iterative and incremental method of project management that focuses on short, iterative cycles and frequent feedback. This approach is commonly used for complex projects with high levels of uncertainty.
• Kanban: Kanban is an approach that uses visual cues to manage the flow of tasks and resources. This approach is used for projects with multiple tasks and dependencies that require frequent coordination.

In general, the choice of approach for a project structure depends on the complexity of the project, the type of tasks, the resources available, and the timeline. To ensure the success of a project, the project team should consider the objectives, timeline, and resources available to select the best approach for the project.

Project structure — recommended articles

Project — Scrum of scrums — Matrix structure — Feature-driven development — Project support office — Tactical management — System approach to project management — Program manager — Resource plan

References

• Burke, R. (2013). Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey, USA.