The organization design perspective on the project-based organization: a structured review

Maxim Miterev,J Rodney Turner,Mauro Mancini

doi:10.1108/ijmpb-06-2016-0048

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use an organizational design perspective to determine the scope of the state-of-the art of research into project-based organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a structured framework-based literature review approach. It uses an analytical framework from the organization design literature to assess 177 papers relevant to the design of the project-based organization that were published in four leading PM journals between 2008 and 2015. The authors determine which elements of organization design are covered in each paper and identify specific research themes for each of the element emerging from the literature. Finally, the authors examine the degree to which interdependencies among separate elements are addressed in the literature and discuss the most holistic papers in more details.FindingsThe results show that the literature on project-based organizations downplays broader organizational issues (such as organizational strategy, incentive schemes and performance management systems) while emphasizing research agenda inherited from research on single project management. In addition, the study highlights limited attention in the literature to the interdependence between separate design choices. Finally, it develops a research framework to map current themes in the literature and their relative importance and discusses a prospective research agenda.Research limitations/implicationsAcademic implications stem from looking at the project management literature from a fresh theoretical perspective and putting project-based organization as a whole in the focus. There is a great research potential in studying organization-wide aspects and interdependencies between various organization design choices in project-based organizations.Practical implicationsReflective practitioners could benefit from a wider view on the project-based organization and its design. They could also use the developed framework in management discussions.Originality/valueThe paper offers a novel way of conceptualizing research on project-based organizations by linking it to an established stream within the field of organization theory and design.

Highlights

The Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations 1996 (“the Administration Regulations”) require the Trustees to prepare an annual statement regarding governance, which should be included in the annual report
The Corporate Trustee are responsible for investment governance, this includes the Corporate Trustee reviewing the default arrangement remains in the best interests of the members
When the Scheme was originally established the Corporate Trustee took professional advice and selected a pension scheme where the With-Profits Fund was the only available investment fund option available to members. This was originally with Friends Life, who were acquired by Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited (Aviva) in 2015, all policies, assets and liabilities of Friends Life were transferred and completed by 1 October 2017

Summary

Chair of Trustees Governance Statement

The Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations 1996 (“the Administration Regulations”) require the Trustees to prepare an annual statement regarding governance, which should be included in the annual report. When the Scheme was originally established the Corporate Trustee took professional advice and selected a pension scheme where the With-Profits Fund was the only available investment fund option available to members. The Corporate Trustee monitors the level of charges borne by members through the Conventional With-Profits Fund. When assessing the charges and transaction costs which are payable by members, the Corporate Trustee is required to consider the extent to which the investment options and the benefits offered by the Scheme represent good Value for Members. - The Conventional With-Profits Fund differs from a unit linked policy in that it is not totally reliant on the current value of the underlying assets This type of fund offers an underlying guarantee that provides a cushion against falling investment markets in certain circumstances. The Corporate Trustee will be reviewing the membership profile as part of the Scheme Review to ensure that this fund continues to be suitable for the membership

Sound administration

Scheme governance

Scheme Details and Scope of Statement

Consultations Made

Investment Principles

Guaranteed Amount

Other area of risk

Choosing Investments

Investment manager structure

Fee Structure for Investment Manager

Findings

Environmental or Ethical Consideration