Organizational Structure Effect on Collaboration, Social Networks and Project Success
Posted by AlekIn an ACIS Conference proceedings, Dr. David Green discussed the impact of organizational structure on collaboration between team members on software project development teams. I will discuss several of the major constructs he identified.
According to Dr. Green, the 8 major constructs are:
- Physical space
- HR Practices
- Leadership style
- Contracts
- Process & methodology
- Culture
- Organizational structure
- Mutual understanding
The top three constructs identified organizational structure, culture and lack of mutual understanding.
He argues informal networks of benevolence trust become fragmented by formal organizational structure. Also, formal organizational structure hinders mutual understanding. Hierarchy, command and control culture generates conflict in priorities and political tension. He advocates for communication brokers/consultants who can allow communication as well as command and control directives to exist.
Book review: Head First PMP
Posted by Jovan
The book Head First PMP from O’Reilly Media (692 pages, published in March 2007, authors: Jennifer Greene and Andrew Stellman, ISBN: 978-0596102340) is a refreshing addition to the Project Manager’s bookshelf. The book gives a general overview of project management covering many aspects. Although marketed as a PMP exam manual, it includes many subjects, practical examples from PM life cycle and it is not a traditional “exam cram book”.
The book covers most of the important subjects of the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) Guide. It seems like this book is intended to be complementary book to the Guide – it serves as a enabler, helper, initiator and supporting manual. The first thing that strikes the reader (especially those not used to the Head… O’Reilly series) is the visual richness (charts, hand made drawings, comics, a lot of play with the text and illustrations). The design in general is very accessible, usable but unconventional. The unconventionality on the other hand makes this book look “unprofessional” but only to the point when you take the book to your hands and try to read it.