The Role of the Project Design Manager in Hybrid Project Teams Applying Concurrent Engineering, A Case Study at a Technical Consultancy Firm
Ladda ner
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master Thesis
Master Thesis
Program
International Project Management
Publicerad
2016
Författare
Olsson, Lina
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Using team members in different geographical locations has become more common as technological improvements have increased the possibilities for virtual collaboration. The use of hybrid teams has become more practiced in the infrastructure and construction industry as different competencies are found in different organisations and locations. As organisations have realized the benefits of Concurrent Engineering it has become a more used method in the sector. The Purpose of this research is therefore to examine the role of the Project design manager in hybrid project teams applying Concurrent Engineering. The aim is to identify challenges faced by the Project design manager when managing hybrid project teams. Further, as the methodology of Concurrent Engineering is to create an interactive environment where team members contribute with their individual competencies, the study investigates how this affects the role of the Project design manager. The Method consist of a qualitative research design where a case study has been performed on an infrastructure project at a technical consultancy firm. Ten semi-structured interviews with project participants and a participant observation during a Concurrent Engineering session have been performed. Empirical findings show that the Project design manager in hybrid project teams face challenges in terms of communicating with dispersed team members, establishing cohesion and establishing technical prerequisites. The Conclusions drawn from the study, show that the Project design manager is a facilitating role and serves as a process leader when managing hybrid project teams applying Concurrent Engineering. The role of the Project design manager is to actively distribute the word during Concurrent Engineering sessions but also to establish cohesion and efficient communication. Recommendations suggest that the Project design manager focus on creating an interactive environment where all participants are comfortable in sharing knowledge with the project team.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Samhällsbyggnadsteknik , Civil Engineering