SU-MGT3035-W2
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SU-MGT3035-W2
Introduction
Successful companies are increasingly applying virtual projects. The method is effective and saves on transport and other costs incurred by project members. Virtual project is associated with several problems mainly because the research relies on technology prone to errors. The absence of physical interaction among members poses a lot of challenges in implementing a project. The paper seeks to analyze the problems encountered by virtual team members and the potential solutions to the challenges.
Software Malfunctions in Virtual Projects
Computer-generated projects involve several technological tools and procedures in their operations. Computer software malfunction is the main problem presented by virtual project (Stumpfe and Bajorath 2020). Slow internet connections due to software problems. According to statistics, 30% of all internet users experience slow internet connection at least once a year. Slow internet connections lead to missed deadlines for project work, therefore, delaying the project as a whole. Slow internet connection reduces the team members’ morale to work and affects the productivity of the project.
Inaccurate budget calculations can occur in a virtual project due to software malfunctions Presence of logic errors in a software program can lead to inaccurate calculations (Velev and Zlateva 2017). Logic errors occur when a computer device is infested with a bug that causes the software to produce inaccurate results. For instance, wrong budget estimates delay the project or even paralyze the project by denting the estimated margin.
Serious Problems in Virtual Projects
Effective communication among members is essential in both virtual and in-person projects. Lack of proper communication leads to several challenges, including project delays, misinterpretations, and lack of trust and support from colleagues (Zuofa and Ochieng 2017). A virtual team can apply several methods of communication in a virtual project. Team leaders can share information through texts, emails, mobile apps such as WhatsApp and telegram and video conferences. The availability of the many communication alternatives results in different team members’ different preferences on the type of media they prefer to use. The difference in preference makes it difficult for the team leaders to harness information using one channel.
Virtual projects incorporate people of different geographical locations with different social and environmental cultures. Language and cultural barriers are a serious problem in delivering a projects’ goal (Velev and Zlateva 2017). Diverse cultures have different opinions about a particular subject. If not articulated appropriately, the difference in opinions can cause distrust and resentment of other employees working on the project.
It is important for the team leader in a project to monitor colleagues’ work progress during the course of the project. Virtual projects make it difficult for supervisors to assess and track team members’ performances. Virtual projects require strict supervision of team members since some individuals work best under maximum supervision. Strict supervision consumes both extra time and the costs of the supervisor.
Fatal Virtual Problems
Virtual meetings require minimum to no physical interactions. Most people engage in virtual meetings in the comfort of their homes. Distraction from work is a fatal problem that could lead to other serious project problems. Scientists have determined that certain types of distractions lead to confusion and short term memory loss. The result leads to the poor outcome of the project.
Successful and impactful projects have minimum misapprehensions among the team. Misunderstanding is likely to develop in group projects at one point or the other (Stumpfe and Bajorath 2020). In a virtual setting, misunderstandings are likely to escalate very fast due to two main reasons, misinterpretation of messages and delayed or missing words due to technical difficulties. Misunderstandings are highly pegged to stress and frustration among individuals. The effects of the problem not only hinder the project but the individual’s health as well.
Solutions to Virtual Challenges
Virtual team project members can embrace several tactics to provide solutions to virtual project problems. In the case of distraction, members should create a conducive virtual workspace where they can comfortably hold meetings without distractions and disruptions. An office-like workspace ensures maximum concentration leading to positive outcomes.
The virtual team should unanimously set general rules to conduct a live meeting and the most effective means of communication. Team leaders should penalize anyone breaching the rules set accordingly to ensure all members uphold discipline. Before embarking on a virtual project, the team leaders should adequately provide the team members with the required training on using the most appropriate computer devices and software. Project organizers should also provide platforms that enable members to contribute freely and on anonymity on sensitive topics of the projects.
Conclusion
Despite the numerous advantages of computer-generated projects, the latter is faced with countless challenges. Team members should well prepare to counter problems involving virtual projects. Future researchers can use this information who want to engage in virtual projects in providing solutions to particular problems.
Reference
Stumpfe, D., & Bajorath, J. (2020). Current trends, overlooked issues, and unmet challenges in virtual screening. Journal of chemical information and modeling, 60(9), 4112-4115.
Velev, D., & Zlateva, P. (2017). Virtual reality challenges in education and training. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, 3(1), 33-37.
Zuofa, T., & Ochieng, E. G. (2017). Working separately but together: appraising virtual project team challenges. Team Performance Management: An International Journal.
Question
Which virtual project problems are unique to the phenomenon of being dispersed and which are common project problems in any project?
Which virtual problems are the most serious for virtual projects? Why? Which virtual problems might be fatal for virtual projects? Why?
What are some potential solutions to virtual team problems? Which solutions would apply to regular project teams also?
Submission Details:
Provide your answers in a 3- to 4-page Microsoft Word document, using APA style.
Support your responses with examples and research.
Name your document SU_MGT3035_W2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc.
Submit your document to the Submissions Area by the due date assigned.