Organizing Large Project Teams, part 1

In a teaming environment for a large project, occasionally you may need to separate into sub-teams in order to complete a project. This is usually done to ensure that project deadlines and task are completed in a timely manner. While at the same time allowing projects to flow smoothly.

This article is the first in a series about organizing large project teams. Each of the articles will cover a particulr type of team along with the pros and cons of using each type of team.

Case Study 1: Circular Team

Image created by Kim Beasley using photo from www.SXC.hu

Being able to create smooth transitions between the sub-teams and the full project team is very important. In the image above, the teaming environment is considered a circular teaming environment and has been separated into three sub-teams. As you can see, each team has been color-coded which is a good way to keep tasks and process organized. Also the diagram shows how the information flows between the teams.

Pros of using a Circular Team

• Project Manager: will be able to color code the tasks and responsibilities for each sub team. Will also be able to create a process flow chart that shows the path that each project would take.
• Core Team: project members who would be considered leaders of the sub-teams and would be consistent throughout the entire process.
• Contracted Team: project members who could be moved from team to team as needed.

Cons of using a Circular Team

• Project Manager: may find that allowing communication between non-connected teams to be difficult.
• Core Team: may develop tunnel vision about the project because all they would know is what affects their part of the project and may not be able to grasp the full vision of the project.
• Contracted Team: may not be able to become familiar with any one part of the project because they would be moved around as needed.