The purposes of functional charts is 1. to get an overall picture of the existing organizational structure 2. discover organizational weaknesses such as: a. confused lines of authority and responsibility b. duplication of functions c. inefficient allocation of personnel d. too extended a span of control e. lack of intermediate supervisory levels 3. discover organizational strengths which may be used in setting standards of good structure 4. provide a basis for planning 5. provide a basis for reorganization
We in our present generation stand on the cusp of a new and glorious dawn when mastery of these energies lies fully within our grasp as secret yields to inquiry, which yields to experimentation, which leads to verification and duplication, which, in the final course, leads to knowledge.
stephen r. lawheadOne of the things I've been trying to do is look for simpler or rules underpinning good or bad design. I think one of the most valuable rules is avoid duplication. "Once and only once" is the Extreme Programming phrase.