Significance of project management structure on development success

The significance of project management structure on the success of 546 development projects was investigated. Multivariate procedures revealed that success varies according to the project structure used, even when other determinants are accounted for. Projects relying on the functional organization or a functional matrix were less successful than those which used a balanced matrix, project matrix, or project team. The project matrix outperformed the balanced matrix in meeting schedule, and outperformed the project team in controlling cost. Implications for managing development projects are briefly discussed