DWO Project Brief
You are required to work with a real organization to diagnose how structure, culture, and
decision rights shape performance, and then design an improved organizational blueprint
backed by evidence and theory. Your work follows a structured 6–8 week path with defined
outputs at each stage.
1. Required Deliverables & Timeline (6–8 weeks)
Follow the five phases; each phase has a named output.
Phase 1 – Scoping & Diagnosis (Weeks 1–2)
❖ Kick-off with partner organization leadership.
❖ Clarify objectives, pain points, and boundaries.
❖ Collect baseline data (org charts, reports, KPIs, cultural artifacts, etc.).
❖ Conduct interviews or surveys with stakeholders.
❖ Tools: RACI Matrix, Stakeholder Analysis, Surveys.
❖ Output: Current State Diagnostic Report.
Phase 2 – Analysis & Theoretical Mapping (Week 3)
❖ Analyze data using Daft’s frameworks (contingency theory, open systems, CVF, etc.).
❖ Identify misalignments between current design and strategic/structural needs.
❖ Tools: SWOT, Competing Values Framework, Mintzberg’s configurations.
❖ Output: Gap Analysis Document.
Phase 3 – Design Alternatives (Weeks 4–5)
❖ Develop 2–3 conceptual solutions or redesign alternatives.
❖ Model impact on coordination, decision-making, culture, or performance.
❖ Evaluate trade-offs.
❖ Tools: Org Charts, Design Criteria Scorecard, Business Model Canvas (modified for
structure).
❖ Output: Design Options Deck.
Phase 4 – Validation & Recommendation (Week 6)
❖ Workshop with client leadership/stakeholders.
❖ Stress-test alternatives through real scenarios.
❖ Select most viable option.
❖ Tools: Scenario Planning, Force Field Analysis.
❖ Output: Final Blueprint.
Phase 5 – Implementation Roadmap (Weeks 7–8)
❖ Define transition steps, responsibilities, timelines.
❖ Recommend communication & change management strategies.
❖ Highlight quick wins and risk mitigation.
❖ Tools: Kotter’s 8-Step Model, Change Canvas.
❖ Output: Implementation Report.
2. Data You Must Collect (minimums)
Structural artifacts: Current org chart(s), decision flows, RACI for 2–3 critical
decisions.
Quant metrics: At least 8 of the 19 culture/people metrics, with formulas shown and
sample calculations (e.g., turnover, internal promotions, recognition, engagement
index, training investment).
Qual insights: 8–12 stakeholder interviews across levels/functions/regions; short pulse
survey for targeted hypotheses.
Context: Strategy & market context, pain points, constraints, technology stack.
3. What “Good” Looks Like (grading rubric)
Problem Framing (15%) — Clear scope, explicit decision/coordination challenges,
relevant stakeholders mapped.
Diagnostic Rigor (25%) — Balanced quant + qual data; correct use of provided
frameworks, triangulation; logical gap analysis using course frameworks.
Design Quality (25%) — Two or more viable alternatives, explicit trade-offs, design
criteria scorecard, clarity of decision rights and structure.
Feasibility & Change Plan (20%) — Realistic phasing, ownership (RACI),
risk/mitigation, comms, quick wins aligned to Kotter/other change models.
Professionalism & Impact (15%) — Executive-ready decks, visual clarity (org charts,
stakeholder maps), and an evidence-based recommendation clients can act on now.
4. Team Structure & Roles
Engagement Lead: client liaison, meeting cadence, scope control.
Design Architect: crafts alternatives, org charts, decision matrices.
Data Lead: owns metrics, survey instruments, calculations.
Change Lead: implementation plan, comms, quick wins, risk log.
Rotate roles mid-project if you want broader learning.
5. Ethics & Client Etiquette
Obtain permission for interviews/surveys; anonymize responses; share only
aggregated results.
Offer a short read-back to participants before finalizing sensitive quotes.
Set realistic expectations: you are not “restructuring” the firm; you are advising with
evidence.
6. Submission Format
Midterm Project Report — 10–15 slides max, with scorecard.
Final Blueprint — 15 slides MAX, with chosen design and logic trail.
Include an Appendix with data tables and formula calculations for your selected
metrics (e.g., eNPS, trust in leadership, wellbeing index).
7. Kick-off Checklist
Discuss assigned project topic with team members for shared understanding
Confirm organization, objectives, constraints, and success criteria.
Agree on access to artifacts and interviewees; schedule 6–8 key interviews.
Decide which 8+ metrics you’ll compute (from the provided set) and how you’ll
collect data.
Draft your measurement plan and stakeholder map for review within Week 1.
8. Examples of Key Questions
“Where are decision rights unclear in the product launch process, and how would a
DACI clarify speed vs. accountability?”
“Which cultural levers (recognition, leadership trust, psychological safety) most
correlate with engagement in this BU?”
“For a regional structure, what is the optimal level of centralization of pricing
decisions to reduce rework while preserving local responsiveness?”