KR15 System Development With Virtual Teams In Collaborative Development Environments

Abstract

Abstract.Technology has developed such that it allows for effective remote collaboration on system development in a team-based environment. Two avionics examples of systems developed in such a way are the Airbus 380, and the Eurofighter, with development split between several European countries. Additionally, outsourcing has become endemic in the industry, providing advancement and much needed revenue for developing countries, but complicating development and integration issues. To illustrate the issues involved in remote collaboration, this paper investigates a study of the interactions of high and low performing distributed student teams on a development project. Results indicate that not only is communication crucial to a team's success but the process and timing of specific actions can have an impact on a team's performance. The paper also examines the system development lifecycle and how collaboration changes during the different phases of the project, and lessons to be applied to systems engineering.

2.1.2 The UPDM RFC Development Project An Exercise in Model‐Based Virtual Team Development or “Practicing What We Preach”

“…More concretely, it is unlikely you will work until 02:00 to ensure a deliverable is complete on time, if you don't like the people in your group. As stated earlier, virtual teams have the same need for socialization as collocated teams (Hause and hause, 2008).…”

“…Studies have found that virtual teams have the same dynamics, issues, interactions, and social lifecycles as co-located teams. Results applicable to industry include team management style, group development, the decision making process, the use of communication media available, the amount of communication per team, decision-making patterns throughout the system development process, and most importantly effective use of systems engineering in a development project (Hause & Hause, 2008). Awareness of these issues meant that many of the problems found in virtual teams were avoided.…”

“…Awareness of these issues meant that many of the problems found in virtual teams were avoided. For further information see Hause & Hause (2008), the studies referenced there, and other recent INCOSE publications on the subject. Research in academic collaboration using Wikis is being done at the most notably at the Open University of Great Britain, the Open University of Israel and others.…”