Essay on Virtual Project Management: Working Collaboratively from Distant Locations

Introduction

Virtual project management is a process by which people in different geographical locations work on a specific project within a given time frame with the help of communication technologies. Through technology, the people in different areas will be able to work collaboratively, with each person playing a role in completing the final project. The team members all work towards a common goal, but the persons are in distant locations from each other (Nauman & Iqbal, 2005). The virtual team may consist of workers from a single organization or people from different organizations. Companies can now employ the best workers without them relocating, thus saving on time and space. Despite their success, virtual projects have had their shares of limitations.

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Problem Facing Virtual Projects Due to Geographical Limitations

Cultural differences

Virtual teams include people who are in different geographical locations, all working towards a common goal. The team members may have different cultures, and this will have a significant impact on how the parties communicate, thus affecting the final project. For example, the communication between a person who comes from an individualistic community and another whose culture is collectivism may have its difficulties. Individualism culture believes in fulfilling individual achievements before meeting those of the whole community. On the other hand, a collectivist society encourages people to put the needs of the nation before individual needs. Therefore, a person from an individualistic culture is more likely to join a virtual team. These individuals will be more willing to work with people that they do not know than people who came from collectivist cultures.

Trust

The fact that virtual groups consists of people who do not have any relationship brings a debate of trust. In addition to that, they are faced with cultural differences and different geographical locations, which inhibit the process of trust among team members. However, for the project to be successful, trust is essential. Virtual teams that trust each other are more likely to work in collaboration as a team because they will be able to deal with the uncertainty and complexity of their project better than people who do not trust each other.

Common Problems to Any Project

Motivation

For any project to be successful, the individuals need to have enough motivation that will see them finish the project and at the right time. Motivation is required by any team working together, whether they are working from the same location or from different locations. However, in a virtual workplace, the team members may need a lot more motivation and discipline.

Communication

For any project to be successful proper communication is a necessity. The team members need to communicate on how they work the responsibilities to be given to the members and on the time that tasks should be completed. In case of a problem in completing the task, communication among the team members will be vital. In the case of virtual teams, communication is very hard since they are not in the same location, and they have to depend on the use of technology to communicate (Nydegger & Nydegger, 2008).

Virtual Problems

Security

Virtual projects solely depend on technology for completion. Members need to communicate by means of technological methods. The individuals of the team send their work to other members using technology. Therefore, virtual teams need to make sure that they can protect their data from the hands of hackers who may avail of the information to the competitors.

Inadequate of Infrastructure

For the project to be successful, the virtual team will need infrastructure needed, like access to internet services, since the workers in a virtual are not in the same location. It essential for them to have the necessary support that allows them to communicate (Sirkka & Dorothy, 1998). The infrastructure includes software, network, and any other material needed for the project. A project with the required infrastructure is more likely to avoid the risks associated with virtual projects.

Solutions to Challenges Facing Virtual Problems

Chairpersons of virtual projects should encourage face to face interaction among the team members to instill trust amongst themselves. Social communication among the members is encouraged because it will make them have a stronger bond, thus, strengthening their faith in each other. It is also advisable that leaders of the virtual team encourage those members working hard to continue putting in the effort to finish the project. As a form of motivation, there could reward the hardworking members.

The leaders of a virtual team have to make sure that all members have the necessary materials required for the completion of the project. Investing in the required infrastructure makes sure that the project runs smoothly. The virtual team could take advantage of communication technologies like video conferencing and the use of telephones to enhance communication among the members. Leaders of the team should play the role of connecting the team, and in case there is a language barrier, the team leader should address it. The team leader should also make sure that all the members understand their roles and responsibilities to reduce conflicts among the members.

References

Nauman, Shazia & Iqbal, Suhail. (2005). Challenges of virtual project management in developing countries. 579 - 583. 10.1109/IEMC.2005.1559214.

Nydegger, R. V. & Nydegger, L. (2008). Challenges In Managing Virtual Teams. Journal of Business & Economics Research. 8. 69-82. 10.19030/jber.v8i3.690.

Sirkka L. J., & Dorothy E. L., (1998). Communication and Trust in Global Virtual Teams, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Volume 3, Issue 4, 1 June JCMC346, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.1998.tb00080.x