Are there strategic misfits?

Bluestone Group, Inc.

The case was written as part of a Stanford University Civil Engineering course entitled “Organization and Management of Human Resources.” The primary purpose of the case (which was a course term project) is to provide the students with an opportunity to apply the theories and design tools presented in the organizational theory class by observing and analyzing how a real project organization in the construction/engineering industry is set up and managed.

The case can be divided into the following two parts: Part I is a survey of the Bluestone organization overall. Information about the company was obtained from published sources as well as several interviews with Bluestone personnel. These data were then entered into OrgCon to generate a recommended organizational structure for Bluestone.

Questions for Consideration

1. Are there strategic misfits?

2. Which organizational structure would be appropriate for Part I?

3. Which organizational structure would be appropriate for Part II?

4. Compare the current and recommended structure.