Team Dynamics in Project Planning

Solution Preview

Hi,

Interesting questions! Lets explore the two questions from various sources. I also attached number hyperlinks for numerous other sources for further research.

RESPONSE:

1. Research on team dynamics in project planning addressing both the benefits and challenges of working in teams in relationship to the project planning; examining how teams can enhance their performance.

This response examines team dynamics in project planning, addressing both the benefits and challenges of working in teams in relationship to the project planning, as well as how teams can enhance their performance. Since teams are found in many workplace environments, including corporate, government and education both the benefits and challenges of working in teams in terms of relationship to the project planning are well documented.

Let's get some definitions out of the way. Here is one of the most commonly cited definitions of team: "A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they are mutually accountable" (Katzenbach & Smith, 1993).

Similar definitions of a team include:

"People working together in a committed way to achieve a common goal or mission. The work is interdependent and team members share responsibility and hold themselves accountable for attaining the results" (MIT Information Services and Technology).

"A team is a group of people working together towards a common goal" (Team Technology, 1995-2006).

"A group in which members work together intensively to achieve a common group goal" (Lewis-McClear & Taylor 1998).

Some of the reported benefits of using teams in project planning are as follows:

1. Accomplish projects an individual cannot do - Many projects in the workplace are too large or too complex for one individual to complete alone. Imagine trying to build the Golden Gate Bridge all by yourself!
2. Brainstorm More Solution Options - Different people looking at the same problem will find different solutions. A team can review ideas and put together a final solution which incorporates the best individual ideas.
3. Detect Flaws in Solutions - A team looking at different proposed solutions may also find pitfalls that an individual might miss. The final solution is that much stronger.
4. Build a Workplace Community - Members of effective teams can form personal bonds which are good for individual and workplace morale (Building Blocks for Teams).

Developing commitment and motivation in team members is one reported challenge (Laurent, n.d). There are also other challenges and risks arising from team dynamics, such as:

1. This is the first project that the team will work on together.
2. Maintenance of the integrity of deliverable files among team members.
3. Each member is working on a variety of other projects. ...