The optimal organization structure design problem in make-to-order enterprises

Authors

  • Jesus Alonso Mena ITESM Campus Chihuahua
  • Chin-Sheng Chen FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2012.19.4.659

Keywords:

Span of control, Organizational Design, Hierarchical Organization, Assignment Problem, Make-to-order

Abstract

This paper addresses the organization structure design problem in a make-to-order (MTO) operation environment. A mathematical model is presented to aid an operations manager in an MTO environment to select a set of potential managerial layers to minimize the operation and supervision cost. With a given Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for any specific project, solving this model leads an optimal organization structure design. The proposed model considers allocation tasks to workers, considering complexity and compatibility of each task with respect to workers, and the requirement of management for planning, execution, training and control in a hierarchical organization. This model addresses the span of control problem and provides a quantitative approach to the organization design problem and is intended for applications as a design tool in the make-to-order industries.

 

Author Biographies

Jesus Alonso Mena, ITESM Campus Chihuahua

Department of Industrial Engineering

School of Engineering

Full Time Profesor (PhD)

Chin-Sheng Chen, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Department of Industrial and systems Engineering

Published

2012-12-27

How to Cite

Mena, J. A., & Chen, C.-S. (2012). The optimal organization structure design problem in make-to-order enterprises. International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 19(4). https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2012.19.4.659

Issue

Section

Production Planning and Control