Matrix Organization Structure in Jebal Ali Harbor - Case Study Example

Matrix Organization Structure in Jebal Ali Harbor 1. Draw the organizational chart of the Jebal Ali Harbor project. Organizational chart of the Jebal Ali Harbor project Consult Contracted Dredging Civil Engineering work Subcontract Dewatering 1. Essential features of the project Flexibility Flexibility is one of the major characteristics of the Jebal Ali Harbor project, which entailed numerous and major changes from the initial project plan, to a completely different project execution plan, which eventually delivered project success, while saving on time and resources. Creativity and innovation The project entailed many aspects of creativity, coupled with various innovations, such as using the Armco culverts as transport tunnels, to reduce the distance for transporting excavated material while saving on time, by evading road traffic. Complexity An essential feature of the Jebal Ali Harbor project is complexity. The whole project was very complex, owing to the nature of the land terrain on which the project was undertaken, coupled with the immense risks involved, such as the risk of gulf fall. Non-bureaucratic and efficient communication The Jebal Ali Harbor project was characterized by lack of bureaucracy, where the major decisions that were made impromptu, did not require bureaucratic procedures to be approved, but were immediately rendered to tests and assessments, after which they were easily approved, if they proved economical and feasible. Communication among the project team members was also smooth, despite the fact that the project comprised of diverse experts and contractors with different experiences and specializations. This enhanced the team coordination and promoted the project success. 2. What is a “matrix organization structure” is as mentioned in the case study? What are the advantages and drawbacks of such a structure? “Matrix organization structure” refers to a structure of an organization that has operations running from different locations, but the structure of the management team is arranged such that the top management is only located in the organization’s major office or headquarters, while the low level managers are based on different site locations, where the organization has some businesses running, and the chain of command flows from the different locations. Pauling plc. is a good example of a contractor operating a “matrix organization structure”, with the top management of the company; the managing director based in London, the general manager based in Dubai, and the projects manager based at the site location; Jebal Ali, where the construction process is ongoing. In the Pauling’s case, the chain of command is such that, the Managing Director based in London makes crucial decisions regarding the project, while the general manager implement the decisions through delegating the same to the projects manager on site. Nevertheless, both the project manager and the general manager make relevant decisions, based on the project situations, while consulting the same with the managing director. Advantages The advantages of the “matrix organization structure” includes the fact that; it is a cost saving strategy for the organization, since it eliminates the need for the organization to have top management level personnel at every subsidiary location, thus serving to reduce the costs involved. Another advantage is that the “matrix organization structure” eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic procedures that are involved in decision making, since there are less intermediaries to influence and affect the decisions made. Drawbacks The drawback associated with “matrix organization structure” is that; it is not suitable for organizations that require direct task supervision, considering that the top management of the organization is situated elsewhere. The other drawback associated with this arrangement is that, it is a time consuming strategy, involving a lot of travel arrangements for the top management to the project sites and back, thus losing productive time in movements. Thirdly, the “matrix organization structure” may result to project delays, where the top management has to be awaited to travel to the site for inspection and subsequent decision making. 3. What were the major decision situations faced by the project team? Discuss the issues and alternatives in each decision situation, including the choice ultimately made. What were the risks involved in each case? One of the major decisions that were to be made in the project was the change from dredging to dry excavation, since it was a decision that altered the whole plan of the initial project, which was founded on dewatering and dredging. The alternative was dredging, but it would be uneconomical and posed the risk of gulf collapse. The second major decision for the project team entailed the dig and haul decision, where shovels and dump trucks were preferred over the espoused combination of bucket wheeled excavators and the transfer and distribution conveyers. The alternative to this was excavation and transfer, which was found to pose the risk of time and high resource consumption. Another notable decision by the project team was the use of WellPoint system for dewatering. The alternative was the initial deep wells system, which was found to pose the risk of being uneconomical. Another important decision entailed the initial purchase and forwarding of all the necessary equipment, material and spares to the location. The alternative was to order for equipment and spare when the need arose, but it would pose the risk of the likelihood of stalling work due to breakdowns. Finally, a major decision needed to be made regarding the transport of excavated material across the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway, owing to traffic issues, necessitating the introduction of Armco steel culverts that cut across the distance to the placing areas. The alternative was using the highway, which would be distant, therefore posing the risk of time consuming and uneconomical operations. 4. List the strengths of the project team as well as challenges faced by them Strengths Strong working relationships between the various contractors and team members involved in the project. Flexibility of the project team that allowed for adoption of alternative decisions Constant re-evaluation of the project progress, enabling timely and effective decision making, regarding the necessary changes deemed appropriate for the project success Reduced bureaucratic procedures that enhanced immediate and prompt decision making, which in turn averted possible risks Hiring and contracting well qualified and experienced expertise, necessary for specialized tasks completion, thus enhancing task sharing. Challenges The project was very complex and thus posed various execution risks, including the collapse of the gulf Coordination was a major challenge, owing to the numerous contractors, subcontractors and teams involved in the project Inadequate infrastructure, for example road networks were inadequate, and innovations had to come in handy to avert possible time and resource overconsumption. 5. “The quality, motivation and performance of the entire work-force were good …” What factors do you think contributed to these positive aspects in the project? Previous working experience Prior experience in similar projects Most of the contractors, subcontractors and experts involved in the project had previous working experiences in similar projects, making it possible for the team to coordinate their diverse activities smoothly. Good previous working rapport Most of the contractors, subcontractors and experts hired for the projects had previously worked together in other projects, thus making it easy for the project team to get along well, and avert possible misunderstandings that are characteristic of new working teams. Motivation Both the contractors and the workforce were highly motivated, with essential services such as accommodation being provided, while luxuries such as entertainment were provided to the project team, in addition to trips and lunch treats to London during leave. This also served to boost the morale of the workers, and enhance the productivity. Creativity and innovation Finally, creativity and innovation which characterized the project team ensured that the project was kept simple, yet efficient, through subsequent major decisions that altered the initial project plans, and introduced changes that saved both time and costs, while averting possible project risks and failures. Reference Jebal Ali Harbor project excavation Read More