Unique Characteristics CAPSTONE REPORT and Related …

Presented to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program: Applied Information Management and the Graduate School of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science

Unique Characteristics and Related Project Management Challenges of Global Virtual Teams

CAPSTONE REPORT

Randall Timmerman Project Director Medidata Solutions, Inc.

June 2006

University of Oregon Applied Information Management Program

722 SW Second Avenue Suite 230 Portland, OR 97204 (800) 824-2714

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Approved by

________________________________ Dr. Linda F. Ettinger

Academic Director, AIM Program

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Abstract for

Unique Characteristics and Related Project Management Challenges of Global Virtual Teams

As companies continue to expand globally, virtual teams utilizing information and communication technology are formed to accomplish company goals. Success in these teams requires increased knowledge of the unique characteristics and related management challenges. Selected literature published since 1996 is examined, to produce a reference guide for project managers. Six global virtual team characteristics are identified: geographic dispersal; structural flexibility; technology-based communications; cultural diversity; high task interdependence; and lack of shared work experience.

Table of Contents

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Chapter One ? Purpose of Study........................................................................................1 Brief Purpose .................................................................................................................1 Full Purpose ...................................................................................................................4 Limitations .....................................................................................................................8 Problem Area .................................................................................................................9 Definitions....................................................................................................................13

Chapter Two ? Review of References ..............................................................................18 Chapter Three ? Method...................................................................................................34

Literature Collection ....................................................................................................34 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................38 Data Presentation .........................................................................................................45 Chapter Four ? Analysis of Data......................................................................................47 Unique Global Virtual Team Characteristics - Report Stage 1 Data Analysis ............47 Related Project Management Challenges - Report Stage 2 Data Analysis..................50 Chapter Five ? Conclusions ..............................................................................................59 Global Virtual Team Characteristic and Challenge Reference Guide .........................59 Appendices..........................................................................................................................62 Appendix A ? Global Virtual Team Characteristics and Related Project Management Challenges: A Reference Guide ...................................................................................62 Appendix B ? Report of Content Analysis Stage 1 ? Identifying Unique Characteristics in the Literature....................................................................................66 Appendix C ? Report of Content Analysis Stage 2 ? Identifying PM Challenges in the Literature ................................................................................................................69

Timmerman - iv Bibliography .......................................................................................................................79

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