1 day.  This course can be delivered virtually or on-site.

Overview

This programme will provide attendees with an overview of matrix management, namely what it is, how it works, potential benefits, potential pitfalls and the skill set required to make it work effectively. There is also an opportunity to design in a short feedback questionnaire to obtain attendees views about the adoption of matrix management, the benefits that could be realised and pitfalls to be avoided. The results from these questionnaires could be compiled into a short summary report after the briefings have been delivered which would help inform progress. (This questionnaire is included in the briefing outline under assessing matrix management readiness.

Style

The briefing will be lecture style but will contain examples and anecdotes of how matrix management operates in different organisations, the benefits that can be gained and the pitfalls to be avoided.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the briefing attendees will

• know what matrix management is and how it differs from functional management
• know the reasons why organisations adopt matrix management and the benefits that they seek in doing so
• have been introduced to examples of how matrix management has been adopted in different organisations and what benefits have been realised through this adoption
• have been introduced to examples of pitfalls some organisations have experienced in the adoption of matrix management
• know what the key success factors in successful adoption of matrix management are
• know the skill set required for matrix management to work effectively
• have had the opportunity (through a short anonymous questionnaire at the end of the briefing) to assess readiness, identify the benefits and possible pitfalls they can personally see in adopting matrix management (optional)

Content

Introduction

What is Matrix management?

• Overview of what defines matrix management. How it differs from functional or project management and how it came about.

Why do organisations adopt a matrix management approach?

• The reasons that organisations adopt matrix management and the benefits that they seek in doing so.

How does matrix management work?

• Looking at some examples of how matrix management has been adopted in different organisations and the benefits that have been realised through this adoption.

What are the pitfalls and difficulties?

• Looking at examples of difficulties some organisations have experienced in adopting matrix management and identifying pitfalls to be avoided.

What are the key factors in successful matrix management

• Looking at what studies have identified as the key success factors in successful adoption and operation of matrix management.

The skill set required for matrix management

• We cover the skill set that is required for matrix management to work effectively.

Assessing matrix management readiness

• Attendees fill in a short anonymous questionnaire giving an assessment of their personal and organisational readiness to adopt matrix management. Also identifying the benefits and possible pitfalls they see in adopting matrix management approach. (These are collected and the collated information forms the basis of a summary report).

Evaluation

• Short evaluation of briefing against learning objectives by attendees.