Question

Virtual Projects

Research about virtual projects. Based on your research, answer the following questions:

-Which virtual project problems are unique to the phenomenon of being dispersed and which are common project problems in any project?

-Which virtual problems are the most serious for virtual projects? Why? Which virtual problems might be fatal for virtual projects? Why?

-What are some potential solutions to virtual team problems? Which solutions would apply to regular project teams also?

PS: Please respond in a very thorough manner and be sure that the answer is not just copy and pasted from an 'already answered' chegg post. Thank you.

Answer 1

1. The primary problem faced by the virtual teams, which has capability of being dispersed is the collaboration of the team is network as well as electronic medium dependent. Virtual teams are dispersed across locations and they can interact through the media of electronic communications. The presence of strong electronic communication tools are essential in facilitating the interaction of the virtual teams.

The common project problems in any kind of project are:

• Absence of clear communication lines
• Lack of clarity of roles and responsibilities among team members
• Ineffective utilization of available resources
• Incapability to follow deadlines

2. Out of the 5 dysfunctions of a team, virtual team will suffer from the absence of trust, the most. This is because in a virtual team, the members are not together, they do not conduct face to face meetings, rather the meetings are facilitated through technology. The humane touch in the scenario, is heavily missed and this is why there can be absence of trust among the members of a virtual team. As the employees do not feel connected, it would be quite hard for them to develop trust for each other. This absence of trust will have adverse effects on the overall functioning of team. The members will doubt the intention of each other and thus cooperation and coordination in the team will be minimal and decision making will be a hectic process.

Another critical problem in functionality of virtual teams is the probability to get information overloaded. As the teams are not together, so they try to communicate as much information about the project to the other team members as possible. As a result, most members of the team suffer from information overload.

3. To avoid information overload in a big virtual team, following can be done:

• The project can be broken done in various units or on basis of requirements
• The team can be divided into smaller groups for each functionality
• Each sub-group will have a leader
• The team will focus on getting their job done
• It will be the responsibility of the leaders to coordinate and keep the project on track
• Proper documentation of every step of the project will facilitate successful project integration

To facilitate trust and synergy in virtual team settings, following must be done:

• The strengths of the team members must be focused upon
• The roles and responsibilities of each team member must be clearly established
• Clear communication lines must be facilitated in the project