Effective virtual teams for new product development Nader Ale Ebrahim1*, Shamsuddin Ahmed1, Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid1 and Zahari Taha2 1Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering and Management Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia.
Accepted March 29, 2012 |
At present, the existing literature shows that the factors which influence the effectiveness of virtual teams for new product development are still ambiguous. To address this problem, a research design was developed, which includes detailed literature review, preliminary model and field survey. From literature review, the factors which influence the effectiveness of virtual teams are identified and these factors are modified using a field survey. The relationship between knowledge workers (people), process and technology in virtual teams is explored in this study. The results of the study suggest that technology and process are tightly correlated and need to be considered early in virtual teams. The use of software as a service, web solution, report generator and tracking system should be incorporated for effectiveness virtual teams. Key words:Virtual teams, collaboration, questionnaires, communication, information, integration, performance, success, cross-functional teams, product development. |