Virtual collocation of design teams: coordinating for speed

Abstract

Aims to examine aspects of virtual collocation of teams in the context of concurrent engineering (CE). Argues that design activities have implications for people and structures in the organization. Teaming has meant that more social and physical interactions within the design environment may improve the design process and its outcome. Explores the evolution of virtual collocation of product design teams. Presents selected results from a set of on‐going pan‐European projects as well as other investigations undertaken by the authors. Attempts to highlight paradoxes and dilemmas in setting up physically and virtually collocated teams. These issues are further explored via in‐depth case studies depicting product design and development activities in manufacturing organisations. Concludes by highlighting the characteristics that are associated with effectively performing collocated teams. These are summarised into three phases: pre‐set up, operational and post‐operational.

Citation

Pawar, K.S. and Sharifi, S. (2000), "Virtual collocation of design teams: coordinating for speed", International Journal of Agile Management Systems, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 104-113. https://doi.org/10.1108/14654650010337104