Matrix layering can be defined as the creation of one matrix within a second matrix. For example, a company can have a total company matrix, and each division or department (i.e., project engineering) can have its own internalized matrix. In the situation of a matrix within a matrix, all matrices are formal operations.
Matrix layering can also be a mix of formal and informal organizations. The formal matrix exists for work flow, but there can also exist an informal matrix for information flow. There are also authority matrices, leadership matrices, reporting matrices, and informal technical direction matrices. Figures 3–10 and 3–11 identify the design matrix and construction matrix that can exist within the total company matrix.
Another example of layering would be the multidimensional matrix, shown in Figure 3–12, where each slice represents either time, distance, or geographic area. For example, a New York bank utilizes a multinational matrix to control operations in foreign countries. In this case, each foreign country would represent a different slice of the total matrix.
and Project Management Services,” Project Management Institute Inc., Realities in Project
Management: Proceedings of the 8th Annual Seminars and Symposium, Chicago, Illinois (1977). All
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Source : Project management A system approach to planning, scheduling and controlling [EIGHTH EDITION] By HAROLD KERZNER, Ph.D.