An Analysis of Virtual Team Characteristics: A Model for Virtual Project Managers

Authors

  • Kathryn Cormican College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway. Ireland.
  • Sandra Morley College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway. Ireland.
  • Paul Folan College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242015000100014

Keywords:

virtual team, collaboration technology, best-practice model, case study, medical devices

Abstract

An integrated model, created to guide project managers, is outlined for the implementation and management of virtual teams. This model is developed by means of an exploratory literature review and an empirical investigation of virtual team utilization in a multinational medical device manufacturer, which examines several factors critical to their success. A TOWS matrix is used to structure the results of the analysis and to identify future virtual team strategies for the organization. The study demonstrates that a structured approach is essential to ensure that the benefits resulting from virtual teamwork are maximized.

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Author Biography

Kathryn Cormican, College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway. Ireland.

Kathryn Cormican (Ph.D.) lectures in the College of Engineering & Informatics at the National University of Ireland Galway. Her research interests lies in the areas of enterprise integration and technology innovation management. This is an applied research area so it is essential to work closely with industry to identify and prioritize requirements, co-develop solutions and ecosystems and validate and implement new models and systems. The focus may be on a specific process, business unit, enterprise or value network which would include an enterprise and its relationship with its customers, suppliers regulatory bodies and other key stakeholders. The research area is multidisciplinary in nature and spans areas such as engineering, technology and business. Kathryn has significant experience in proposal generation, R&D project management and technology transfer. She has published widely at international conferences and peer reviewed journals. Kathryn works closely with many leading organisations and SMEs helping them to diagnose, develop and deploy new processes and systems.

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Published

2015-04-22

How to Cite

Cormican, K., Morley, S., & Folan, P. (2015). An Analysis of Virtual Team Characteristics: A Model for Virtual Project Managers. Journal of Technology Management & Innovation, 10(1), 188–203. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242015000100014

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Case Studies

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