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En studie av tre multiprojektmiljöer
Business studiesMultiprojectenvironmentProjectAdhocracyMatrix organization and management controlFöretagsekonomi
Background: A great part of all projects within Swedish industry are conducted in a multiprojectenvironment, which means that several projects are performed simultaneously. The research within the field of project management is though focused on single projects. Projects are highly dependent on the context in which they are conducted, although the organization of the multiprojectenvironment is only partly explored. Furthermore is the research within the project management highly concentrated on standardization of the project work. The question is whether this implies to the basic advantages with the project-oriented organization, which is flexibility and creativity? Purpose: To describe and obtain an understanding for the multiprojectenvironment regarding management control and organization. Realisation: The study is based upon a case study of development departments within three industrial companies. Results: The multiprojectenvironment can to a great extent be described with the help of Mintzbergs´ adhocracy concept. Large projects are conducted in both types of adhocracies and tend to be more structured than the smaller ones. Mutual adjustment is the central coordination mechanism within the multiprojectenvironment. The matrix organization, which has its central of gravity somewhere between the project- and the functional organization without being in balance risks to befairly vague. The multiprojectenvironment is controlled both formal and informal, formal control can though in a high extent be risky. Common belief systems and common strategy development is important within the multiprojectenvironment.