1. Session 34

2. Working With People Who Aren’t Really There Yes it can be done! No, it isn’t 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 isn’t 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 Ain’t 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)