Question

Read and discuss the following scenario found on page 250 (LO 7-3) in your textbook:    In a WORD document, please complete the below actions: Create a visual representation of the current structure. You can use the tools in WORD or create it in an EXCEL spreadsheet. Please use level-headings to clearly identify each step. Discuss ways in which you can improve how the current functional structure operates so that it speeds website development. Create a visual representation. Please demonstrate how this improvement has increased operational efficiency by reducing processing time. Discuss the pros and cons of moving to (a) multi-divisional, (b) matrix, or (c) product team structure to reduce website development time. Identify the structure you think is most appropriate and discuss the reasons for your decision.

Speeding Up Website Design ou have been hired by a website design, production, and hosting company whose new animated website designs are attracting a lot of attention and a lot of customers Currently, employees are organized into different functions such as hardware, software design, graphic art, and website hosting, as well as functions such as marketing and human resources. Each function takes its turn to work on a new project from initial customer request to final online website hosting. The problem the company is experiencing is that it typically takes one year from the initial idea stage to the time that the website is up and running; the company wants to shorten this time by half to protect and expand its market niche. In talking to other managers, you discover that they believe the company's current functional structure is the source of the problem it is not allowing employees to develop websites fast enough to satisfy customers' demands. They want you to design a better one

Answer 1

CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

CEO Graphic art Website Marketing hosting Hardware Software Design Human Resources Team1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team

The current organizational structure is a functional structure. Though the teams are expertise in thier fields, each project is dependant on other teams to complete thier phase. For example, the design team needs to complete thier phase in the project and then send the project to the graphic art team. This is a highly time-consuming structure as each project has a workflow to follow and each team is dependant on the other team. If there is any lapse in the completion of work of one of the teams, then the entire process would be slowed-down.

The best alternative is to use a matrix structure. In other words, cross-functional roles for each project would be the best option. This would improve the operational efficiency as it reduces the waiting time and the processing time is improved considerably. The advantages of using a matrix organization structure are:

-The resources (or teams) are shared in multiple projects

- Project focused as Project Managers are assigned to the projects

- Best option for multiple projects as they can work on them simultaneously by balancing the resources.

-Cost and quality requirements of the client are met in each project and this is ensured by the Project Managers.

2. Discuss the pros and cons of moving to a (a) multidivisional, (b) matrix, or (c) product-team structure to reduce website development time.

(a) Multi-divisional structure- organizations structure their workforce into smaller and manageable units as they tend to work faster.

(b) Product-team structure- This structure allows employees to work in different functions (cross-functions). However, dual reporting system would make them confusing.

© Matrix- The teams from different functions work together which enhances their skills and knowledge. A Project Manager is incharge of coordination and integration of the different teams.

Identify the structure you think is most appropriate and discuss the reasons for your decision.

Personally speaking, I believe that product team structure with a cross-functional role would be the best alternative as the matrix structure has dual reporting bosses which might be confusing.

Future organizational structure.