In civil engineering construction, which organisational form is most popularly used for managing projects?

Introduction / Context:
Construction projects require both clear authority lines and access to specialist expertise. Organisational form influences communication, speed of decisions, technical quality, and control. This question asks which structure is most popular in civil engineering construction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Options include line, line and staff, functional, and an ill-defined “effective” organisation.
• We must pick the commonly adopted form balancing authority with specialist input.

Concept / Approach:
The line and staff form retains a direct chain of command (line) while providing advisory and specialized support (staff) in areas like planning, design, QA/QC, safety, and procurement—well suited to the multi-disciplinary complexity of construction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate “line”: strong authority but limited specialist integration.Step 2: Evaluate “functional”: strong specialization but potential authority diffusion.Step 3: Combine strengths via “line and staff”: clear authority with expert support.Step 4: Select “line and staff organisation”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard construction management texts cite line and staff as the prevalent structure because it balances operational control and technical guidance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• line organisation: Can be too rigid and thin on expertise for complex projects.
• functional organisation: Can create silos and unclear command for on-site decisions.
• effective organisation: Not a standard structural form.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing functional and line-and-staff; assuming one pure form suits all projects regardless of complexity.

Final Answer:
line and staff organisation