Last Update: 12-Jan-2006

Purpose

Today's business teams use a large array of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to conduct their work. Most of their work, even for collocated knowledge workers, occurs through computer mediation - virtual collaboration. I wanted to understand how teams use a blend of ICTs for improved performance.  This study identified factors of successful project leader technology facilitation. No prior study had explored technology facilitation in this realm, though it has been mentioned many times as a key enabler of success. We found it partiularly important today as every project manager seems to have to engage in technology facilitation at some point when working virtually.

Methodology

I studied successful information systems (IS) project team leaders.   They had at least one year of experience leading distributed IS development teams whose membership spaned an average of four divisions or organizations and three locations. These are often known as "virtual teams." The project activities studied included systems integration, installing packaged software (ERP and CRM systems), converting legacy systems, building new systems from scratch, adding on to existing systems, analyzing and designing systems, and similar activities.  

The teams studied communicated predominantly through telephone, email, fax, groupware, file servers, virtual meeting tools, instant messaging, audio conferencing, and other information and communication technologies (ICTs).  

Outcomes

This study led to substantial insight into creating distributed team project performance.  I am currently distilling the findings into publishable papers. You can see the complete dissertation at this link: The Team Leader Technology Facilitation Role in Information Systems Project Virtual Teams

I provided feedback to the individual leaders who participated.  They received a copy of their transcribed interview and an advance copy of the findings report.  The findings report included a breakdown of critical requirements for successfully facilitating technology during a team project. 

Research Team and Project Terms

Dr. Robert Bostrom advised this project with the aid of my doctoral committee members: Dr. Richard Watson, Dr. Dale Goodhue, Dr. Melenie Lankau, and Dr. Debabroto Chatterjee.  I am open to suggestions to modify the research to make it more beneficial for your firm.  Confidentiality was ensured with a non-disclosure agreement, and this project was conducted under the auspices of the Human Subjects Research office at the University of Georgia, per federal guidelines.

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