Sysiphos GmbH currently has 60 employees and an annual turnover of 10 million euros. 15 employees work in sales, 15 in operations, 12 in software development, 7 in support, 5 in management & controlling and 6 in the back office. The company specializes in classic IT services specifically for the SME sector:
Operation: primarily Windows and Linux based on operating systems, MS SQL and Oracle as databases. Core applications are operated for SMEs (ERP and cash register and customer systems)
Support: A service desk takes care of the recording and processing of IT malfunctions
Development: Various smaller business applications and apps are developed for customers, mostly operated for them.
The company is growing. Two big, potent orders (development and operation) are expected in the coming financial year. However, these two orders push the company with its current structures to its limits. The management is therefore forced to create the necessary structures in order to continue to service these two large customers and the current customer base with excellent quality and even to expand them in the future. Are you missing any information? Then make sensible assumptions when you need to!
task
You have been selected by the management as a future project team to solve an issue that is currently considered virulent in the company (see below). The management now wants to know from you how to proceed. As a group, choose one of the following topics.
Introduction of project management structures
We are currently working ad hoc and on demand. However, this type of change management increasingly leads to the fact that no sustainable products and services are created. The error rate has also increased in the past.
Implementation of an organizational development
Sysiphos GmbH is characterized by a “everyone does everything” culture. It was recognized that this is diametrically opposed to further growth. Develop an organizational concept that allows you to approach the topics in a more structured manner. Assume the current products and services that the company currently provides. Complete this concept with a role concept that is based on your organizational structure.
Formalization of management structures
Which management structures (see script on page 11 ff) can you introduce or improve sensibly in the company's current situation and how do they interact? What information does the management need in order to control the company? Think of the functions of management (planning, organization, leadership, coordination and control).