Application of Alignment Matrix in Project Coordination and Communication

Every big project involves a large diverse group of people working and collaborating together towards common objectives, goals or deliverables. This results in complex relationships of tasks and people. One of the key aspects of managing such complex relationships is ensuring that the people/teams are communicating effectively. In order to do that, it is first and foremost necessary to understand the network and the interdependency between teams. This is where the tool Alignment Matrix plays a role.

This aim of this article is to explain the tool and its applications. It will draw upon the key findings from the Pratt and Whitney project in order to provide Project Managers with insights by which they can monitor their effectiveness in communication with the intention of learning and improving for future projects. Lastly, the advantages and limitations will be reflected upon.

Background of the tool

An Alignment Matrix is a recently developed new application of a project management tool, Design Structure Matrix (DSM). It was developed to aid managers between different sub-system development teams in identifying key areas where planned communication failures could occur. This is possible by mapping unattended and unidentified interfaces of technical communication. The application was developed based on a study of Pratt and Whitney’s development project of their jet engine PW4098.

In order to understand the application of Alignment Matrix, it is necessary to understand a bit more about Design Structure Matrix (DSM) and its working. DSM is a compact, matrix representation of a system or project. It is a powerful tool that helps visualize the interactions, exchange of information and dependency patterns between sub-systems. Thereby, allowing to carry out analysis, project planning, and organizational design.

Critical reflection

This tool could be a good complementary tool to feedback surveys and reviews.