A conventionally-managed project: a systems-based case study

The technique of linear responsibility analysis is used for a retrospective case study of a private development consisting of an extension to an existing building to provide a wholesale butchery facility. The project used a conventionally-organized management process. The organization structure adopted on the project is analysed using concepts from systems theory which are included in Walker's theoretical model of the structure of building project organizations ( Walker, 1981). This model proposes that the process of building provision can be viewed as systems and sub-systems which are differentiated from each other at decision points. Further to this, the sub-systems can be viewed as the interaction of managing system and operating system. Using Walker's model, a systematic analysis of the relationships between the contributors gives a quantitative assessment of the efficacy of the organizational structure used. The project's organization structure diverged from the model's propositions resulting in delay to the project's completion and cost overrun but the client was satisfied with the project functionally.