Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Exam: Organization Design (BK)
Code: 61221030
Coordinator: Dr. B.V. Tjemkes, Dr. B.A. de Jong
Date: December 23, 2010
Time: 18.30 (exact time!)
Duration: 2 hours
Calculator allowed: No
Graphical calculator
allowed: No
Number of questions: 4
Type of questions: Open
Answer in: Dutch
1. Remarks: Read the questions carefully and make sure you answer the question!!!
2. The maximum number of words per sub-question is 200, however remember: less is more.
3. Exceeding this limit results in credit deduction. It is allowed to take home the exam.
Credit score: 100 credits counts for a 10 (25 credits per question)
Grades: The grades will be made public on 14th of January
Inspection: Tuesday 18th of January, 13.30hrs, room will be announced.
Number of pages: 4 (including front page)
Good luck and success!
1
, Question 1: Contingency Theory (2*12.5 points = 25 points)
During the course lectures different contingency perspectives were discussed. A distinction was
made between: (1) Traditional contingency theory, (2) Configurational contingency theory, and
(3) Neo-contingency theory. Please answer the following questions.
A. Explain in your own words what equifinality and quasi-fit mean. Also, explain to which of
the three contingency views each concept belongs and discuss for each concept one key
managerial implication. Substantiate your answer with two arguments. (max 200
words)
B. Although the three contingency perspectives focus on fit, during the lectures the idea of
misfit was extensively discussed. Provide a definition of misfit, explain why misfit is
important, and discuss two managerial implications. (max 200 words)
Question 2: Organizational Configurations (2*12.5 points = 25 points)
In Burton & Obel (2004) and during the (guest) lectures, different organizational configurations
were discussed. Please answer the following questions.
A. Explain what is meant by a ‘matrix’ organizational configuration. In your explanation,
use three of the organization design parameters discussed by Burton & Obel (2004).
Also, discuss two potential advantages and two potential disadvantage of this
organizational configuration. (max 200 words)
B. A firm has opted for a functional organizational configuration. This design is
complemented by vertical differentiation (i.e., one layer), low centralization and low
formalization. Explain why or why not this firm possesses design fit. Substantiate
your answer with two arguments. Also provide one detailed managerial
recommendation. (max 200 words)
See next page!
2
Exam: Organization Design (BK)
Code: 61221030
Coordinator: Dr. B.V. Tjemkes, Dr. B.A. de Jong
Date: December 23, 2010
Time: 18.30 (exact time!)
Duration: 2 hours
Calculator allowed: No
Graphical calculator
allowed: No
Number of questions: 4
Type of questions: Open
Answer in: Dutch
1. Remarks: Read the questions carefully and make sure you answer the question!!!
2. The maximum number of words per sub-question is 200, however remember: less is more.
3. Exceeding this limit results in credit deduction. It is allowed to take home the exam.
Credit score: 100 credits counts for a 10 (25 credits per question)
Grades: The grades will be made public on 14th of January
Inspection: Tuesday 18th of January, 13.30hrs, room will be announced.
Number of pages: 4 (including front page)
Good luck and success!
1
, Question 1: Contingency Theory (2*12.5 points = 25 points)
During the course lectures different contingency perspectives were discussed. A distinction was
made between: (1) Traditional contingency theory, (2) Configurational contingency theory, and
(3) Neo-contingency theory. Please answer the following questions.
A. Explain in your own words what equifinality and quasi-fit mean. Also, explain to which of
the three contingency views each concept belongs and discuss for each concept one key
managerial implication. Substantiate your answer with two arguments. (max 200
words)
B. Although the three contingency perspectives focus on fit, during the lectures the idea of
misfit was extensively discussed. Provide a definition of misfit, explain why misfit is
important, and discuss two managerial implications. (max 200 words)
Question 2: Organizational Configurations (2*12.5 points = 25 points)
In Burton & Obel (2004) and during the (guest) lectures, different organizational configurations
were discussed. Please answer the following questions.
A. Explain what is meant by a ‘matrix’ organizational configuration. In your explanation,
use three of the organization design parameters discussed by Burton & Obel (2004).
Also, discuss two potential advantages and two potential disadvantage of this
organizational configuration. (max 200 words)
B. A firm has opted for a functional organizational configuration. This design is
complemented by vertical differentiation (i.e., one layer), low centralization and low
formalization. Explain why or why not this firm possesses design fit. Substantiate
your answer with two arguments. Also provide one detailed managerial
recommendation. (max 200 words)
See next page!
2
