Abstract
construction projects are temporary, unique and challenging. The management of construction projects requires the coordination of a large number of people. The design and implementation of an effective project organization structure is vital for project success. Project success involves delivering the scope on time, within budget in addition to meeting or exceeding customer's expectations. The objective of this paper is to identify and assess the key factors affecting the size and structure of the project organization. Sixteen factors affecting the project organization structure were identified based on the review of related literature. These factors were grouped in four categories: project, company, stakeholders, and environment factors. A questionnaire was then developed and distributed to construction professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To ensure completeness of the survey, interviews were conducted with the professionals. Fifty six professionals completed the survey. The staff availability and skills appear to be the most important factors followed by the project size and the owner's requirements.