Papers in PDF format

ANALYSIS
The introduction of new communication and coordination technologies into the project management domain is creating
unique capabilities for interdisciplinary teams to approach given problems. However, the introduction of the tools does not
eliminate the need to effectively communicate and coordinate throughout the project. The initial results obtained from the
current study indicate that the introduction of electronic communications does enhance the number of communications that
take place within a project. However, the results also indicate that the issue of coordination does not subside with the
introduction of the Web capability. Rather, the Web provides the teams with the ability to continue discussions throughout
the project without having to meet on a face-to-face basis. The issue thus arises as to whether or not the introduction of
virtual communications exacerbated friction within the team.
In addition to the primary issue of coordination impact, the initial results from the Web study have provided several
indicators for additional analysis investigation. Specifically, traditional methods for coordinating project players, sharing
information, and managing teams need to be measured against the interactions of the virtual approach on the basis of the
following criteria:
• clarity and mutual understanding of project requirements;
• types of information exchanged;
• efficiency of project developments; and
• quality of results.
These comparative assessments are beneficial to the continued development of the management framework, providing an
ability to evaluate the cooperation and collaboration among AEC project participants. These findings will clarify the extent
to which information is exchanged and effectively utilized within an interdisciplinary, virtual environment.
CONCLUSION
The managerial framework being developed through this research effort will become an innovative instrument for the AEC
industry. By incorporating modern management theory with the assessment of team dynamics on project planning
activities, a comprehensive, practical model will be developed. This framework will support the organizational and
managerial requirements of interdisciplinary AEC virtual project teams. Specifically, it will provide a strategy for team
creation and coordination, interdisciplinary sharing, team leadership, and client understanding. Subsequently, through
comparisons of traditional project interactions, the research will provide AEC project participants with a new strategy for
collaboration, including a methodology for application in real team settings.
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