A Systems and Contingency Analysis Applied to Construction Projects of Exceptional Architectural Design 

Written by Lester Paul Korzilius, 1988  

Table of Contents 

Chapter 1 
Introduction  

Chapter 2  
Goal and Value System  

Chapter 3 
Technological Systems  

Chapter 4 
Organizational Goals  

Chapter 5 
Individual and Group Dynamics  

Chapter 6 
Organizational Structure  

Chapter 7 
External Environment  

Chapter 8 
Applied Management Strategies  

References  

Bibliography  

Return to Index 

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   Summary 

Organizational theory is used as a tool to analyze construction projects of exceptional architectural design. In particular, a systems and contingency method of analysis is adopted, similar in concept to that proposed by J. Galbraith and Kast & Rosenweig. The project system is divided into six subsystems for the purpose of analysis. These subsystems are: Goal and Value System, Technological System, Organizational Goals, Individual and Group Dynamics, Organization Structure, and External Environment. The effects of exceptional architectural design on these subsystems relative to the overall project system is analyzed. On the basis of the research and analysis in the dissertation, a series of proposals are made for the more effective project management of projects of exceptional architectural design. 

Index 

Chapter 1 - Introduction 

  • Objectives / Method / Assumptions / Concept of Exceptional Architectural Design Defined / Structure of the Dissertation

Chapter 2 - Goal and Value System 

  • Summary / The Client Seeks Intangible Returns / The Importance of Strategic Concepts /The Nature of the Client

Chapter 3 - Technological Systems 

  • Summary / The Effects of Design on Construction Means and Methods / Effects of Innovative Construction Means, Methods & Applications

Chapter 4 - Organizational Goals 

  • Summary / The Project Organization as a Coalition / Case Study Context of Different Organizational Goals / 

    Coalition Theory Applied to the Case Study

Chapter 5 - Individual and Group Dynamics 

  • Summary / Group Size and Cohesion / Group Size and Communications / Individual Satisfaction / Group Permanence / 

    Individuals within Groups

Chapter 6 - Organizational Structure 

  • Summary / Influence in the Project Organization / The Importance of Core Groups / The Effects of Industry Role Designations / The Effect of Size on Organizational Structure and Design Quality / Technology and the Social Setting

Chapter 7 - External Environment 

  • Summary / The Effects of Uncertainty in the External Environment / The Effects of Society's Values / The Effects of Competition / Standardization Imposed by Society

Chapter 8 - Applied Management Strategies 

  • Goal and Value System / Technological Systems / Organizational Goals / Individual and Group Dynamics / Organizational Structure / External Environment / Closing Comments

References 

Bibliography

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