Integration Between Star Model Components for Project-Based Organizations Design: a Network Analysis

Abstract

Star Model is a framework for organization design and has been highlighted for its completeness and holistic perspective. Star Model has also been adapted to Project-Based Organizations' (PBO) design. Some researchers have chosen this guideline considering the connections and interdependence between its five components: Strategy, Process, Rewards, Human Resources and Structure. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no quantitative viewpoint about these connections in the literature yet. In this paper, the interconnections between the Star Models' components are modelled, measured, and analyzed using the Network Analysis (NA) tool. NA is a technique that predicts the structure of the relationships between entities and uses graph theory to deploy its connections through mathematical indicators. The results confirm that all Star Model components are linked effectively, although at different levels, and that some components are the bridge for maintaining their relationships. This research seeks to provide a management tool for project managers and organizational analysts, giving quantitative support for effective organizational design and implementation.