Training

1
Session 34
2
Working With People Who Arent Really There

• Yes it can be done!
• No, it isnt easy!
• Some how-to information
• Some references

3
Making Virtual Teams Work

• Getting together!
• Sharing project information (paper is bad)
• Document control
• Communication!
• Technological help
• Cultural issues
• Scheduling
• Time zones!

4
Getting Together

• The team has to get together in person from time
  to time.
• Include this in the project budget.
• Have some fun and do some team building!
• Everyone likes to have a face with a name.

5
Paper Is Bad!!!

• Need efficient, timely, and accurate sharing of
  project documentation
• Ensure proper technology is provided to the team.
• This is a cost of doing business by virtual teams!

6
Document Change Control

• Must have change control system
• Team has to be aware of the system!
• Team has to USE the system!

7
Communications

• Project manager has to ensure key information is
  shared among the team
• Examples change in personnel, customer,
  requirements, etc.
• Project manager is the facilitator
• It isnt easy!
• Proper tools must be provided to the team

8
Technology Can Help

• Invest in the technology tools your team needs
• Ensure everyone has access to the tools
• Get everyone properly trained in their use
• Invest a bit more up front and work a lot more
  efficiently and effectively throughout the
  project!

9
Cultural Issues

• Cultural issues come into play in all projects
• Be aware of local, national, and cultural issues
• Examples religion, holidays, vacations,
  environment, etc.

10
Time Zones

• Time zones matter!
• Be considerate in scheduling conference calls and
  phone calls!

11
Scheduling

• Schedules have to be planned carefully
• When the team is not co-located, substituting or
  replacing personnel can be tricky! It takes
  time!
• Vendor supply issues are more difficult to manage.

12
It Aint Easy

• But it can be done!
• The project manager has to be a good facilitator.
• The team has to have the proper tools for
  communicating.
• The team still has to get together from time to
  time.

13
References

• Managing Virtual Teams Practical Techniques for
  High-Technology Project Managers (Martha
  Haywood)
• The Distance Manager A Hands On Guide to
  Managing Off-Site Employees (Kimball Fisher)
• Working Virtually Managing People for
  Successful Virtual Teams and Organizations (Trina
  Hoefling)
• Mastering Virtual Teams (Deborah L. Duarte)