Preview

Virtual Teams

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1054 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Virtual Teams
Virtual Teams in Action: Building the F-35 Fighter
Case Study 1
By:
Alyssa Dimeck
MGT 404
10/09/2011
Professor Samuel Palmeri

Virtual Teams in Action: Building the F-35 Fighter
CASE SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Defense is known for their F-35 Lighting II Program; the focal point for defining affordable next generation stealth fighter aircraft. In 2002, the Department of Defense announced Lockheed Martin Aeronautic as the designer and builder of the fighter with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as the major partners. The fighter was noted by proponents of the program, “to bring cutting edge technology to the battle space of the future”. The immense project consisted of countries all over the world, working as a single team through what Mark Peden, vice president for information systems at Loackheed Aeronautics, said, “Was a true virtual connection”. Success of the project stemmed from intricate teamwork and cooperation from countless individuals working in teams, both nationally and internationally, communicating via their computers; there were 80 suppliers working at 187 locations worldwide, but were connected as if team members were working in the same room. After the first flight of the production occurred on December 15, 2006, Jon Beesley, F-35 chief test pilot, stated, “The Lighting II performed beautifully”.
ANSWERS TO CASE QUESTIONS 1. The advantages that Lockheed Martin gained by using a virtual team includes: a more efficient use of time, synergy and expertise, and cost benefits. Different time zones between teams working together internationally can be a huge communication barrier, however it also has the advantage of process of production being working 24/7; this generates a more efficient use of time for the production process. The diverse team created tremendous synergy, that is, what occurs when the interaction and outcome of team member is greater than the sum of their individual efforts (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). Each



References: Bohlander, G. & Snell, S. (2010). Managing Human Resources 15E, South-Western, Cengage Learning.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    In today's competitive world, companies are gradually vacating their cubicles and enter into the virtual workforce to increase work efficiency, reduce cost and resolve organizational problems (Ahmed & Ebrahim, 2009). Nowadays, companies are investing a bulk amount of money on virtual teams to enhance their performance since it has become an indispensable prerequisite for companies to stay in competitive in the era of globalization (Ahmed & Ebrahim, 2009). Virtual teams consist of members from different cultural backgrounds who work in various organizations with different set of standards and members of the virtual teams have the least probability to meet in person (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348). The greater percentages (approximately 90%) of people are responsible for both success and failure of the virtual teams whereas technology plays only 10% role (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348). Communication effectiveness and stimulating work are considered two essential human factors in terms of shaping the success and failure of virtual teams (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348). The task can be challenging and stimulating for virtual teams as it is often unsubstantiated and consequently team member's lack of concern on their work might turn into crumble (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348). Volvo has emerged to make the communication system as much effective as possible through emphasizing the concern of communication effectiveness and stimulating work (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348). Volvo assesses the efficiency of virtual teams into four different types which is depicted in a question pattern in the case (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348). Volvo's virtual team are to be evaluated by shared accountability and shared leadership for attaining team's goal (Nelson & Quick, 2013, p. 348).…

    • 1119 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Darlene DeRosa conducted a study to uncover potential obstacles, competencies and challenges that may occur when dealing with virtual teams. During the study, the teams “were assessed on six dimensions of virtual team performance: results, communication, team motivation, interpersonal relationships, collaboration, and purpose and roles” (DeRosa, 2009, p. 9). The study uncovered that effective leadership will ultimately determine the success of the virtual teams (DeRosa, 2009). In addition, the assessment uncovered that communication in a virtual team is also very important probably the most important aspect of building an effective virtual team. DeRosa (2009) explains that effective team leaders should ensure that all goals are clearly communicated to ensure the teams’ success.…

    • 603 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    By virtue of working in a virtual space, existing through a computer and technology facilitated environment, virtual teams are faced with a challenge (Riemer, Steinfield, & Vogel, 2009)…

    • 5957 Words
    • 24 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Now there is a new face to the American fighter aircraft program, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Lightning II. The next step in air combat, with the most advanced technology and weapons ordinance ever put in an aircraft. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was thought to be the next great fighter plane that would secure air superiority for the next generation of fighter aircraft. The new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been hailed as the next step in aerial combat technology. With its stealth and radar abilities, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was supposed to be the best aircraft…

    • 565 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    References: Ahuja, J. (2010). A STudy of Virtuality Impact on Team Performance. IUP Journal of…

    • 1529 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Individual Differences

    • 726 Words
    • 3 Pages

    References: Gatlin-Watts, R., Carson, M., Horton, J., Maxwell, L., & Malty, N. (2007). A guide to global virtual teaming. Team Performance Management, 13(1/2), 47.…

    • 726 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Virtual Teams

    • 10084 Words
    • 41 Pages

    Both practitioners and academic observers have recognized the potential advantages offered by the deployment of virtual teams. Virtual teams overcome the limitations of time, space, and organizational affiliation that traditional teams face. As a consequence, they are expected to enable organizations to better face the continued shift from production to service environments (Townsend et al., 1998), the increasing requirement for cross-organizational strategic cooperation (Jarvenpaa and Ives, 1994; Townsend et al., 1998), the need to overcome geographical, temporal, and organizational boundaries, and the necessity to bring together dispersed talent (Jarvenpaa and Leidner, 1999; Lipnack and Stamps, 1997). Most notably, the class of virtual teams that we consider offers unprecedented levels of flexibility and responsiveness.…

    • 10084 Words
    • 41 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Virtual Teams

    • 727 Words
    • 3 Pages

    As a manager of a virtual team I believe that it is extremely important to understand what key characteristics are needed in order for the team to flourish and excel. The ability to openly communicate, Understand cultural differences as well as overall knowledge of technology are some of the fundamentals I would be most concerned about. Communication is the major key to a prosperous team/group. If a team leader and/or group member has trouble with openly communicating with others, it will be impossible for team rules and regulations to be established. It is crucial for a virtual team to cohesively establish team deadlines, meetings in addition to a clear understanding of each individual task and responsibility. Along with communication, virtual teams must respect and accept cultural differences. According to Understanding Cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans (Intercultural Press: Yarmouth, ME; 1987) “Team members should learn how to interpret verbal and nonverbal communication styles and cultural backgrounds of teammates and how to respond effectively to these unique cues”. Acknowledgement and respect of cultural diversity reduces the chances of cultural crashes and miscommunication. Lastly as a virtual team member being proficient in basic technological platforms such as smartphones, laptops, texting, videoconferencing etc. is an absolute must. Without a basic foundation in this technology, effective communication between team members/managers may be disastrous.…

    • 727 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    This paper on Conflict resolution and Team Dynamics will include information about Communication, Responsibility, and Conflict. Understanding team dynamics is important to working successfully with others. The dynamics of a team are the forces that produce activity and change of the team as well as the forces and motions that characterize the team. As every team is comprised of different people the dynamics of each team will be unique. In today 's online education systems we must understand the real execution of team effort and how to achieve quality work and top performance as a group.…

    • 2420 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Florida International University. MAN4120 - Managing Virtual Teams - Sections RVC & RPC - Spring 2013. Professor Jose Rocha.…

    • 4448 Words
    • 18 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    According to Thompson virtual team is any task-focused group that meets without all members necessarily being physically present or working at the same time (Thompson, 2011 p.). According to the article, The Knowledge Advantage of Virtual Teams Processes Supporting Knowledge Synergy, it has been previously argued that virtual teams emerged as a new organizational form of 'working together apart'. However, their novelty has been attributed to the use of technologically advanced communications rather than to their organizational properties (Ratcheva, 2008). Therefore, we can see the importance of having a good platform the Ford Company Virtual Team Communication.…

    • 2438 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    We have all been part of virtual team that everything seems to click and the group collaborates well with each other, then there are the groups that any task seems daunting and takes longer than needed. Working in virtual teams presents both benefits and challenges to organizations. This paper will review what goes into making an effective virtual team.…

    • 411 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Communication is essential to collaboration. The consideration of time, place, media richness, task, and adoption are important for choosing the collaboration tool(s) appropriate for communicating and collaborating in any team. Teams who choose the use of an inappropriate tool(s) could cause faulty communications or an inadequate exchange of information hindering their creativity. (Nemiro, 2004)…

    • 1348 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    virtual team

    • 916 Words
    • 4 Pages

    A virtual team is aware as a geographically dispersed team (Dave, 2013). It is a group of members who work across boundaries of time, space and organizational with links strengthened by a number of different communication technology to coordinate their individual efforts and inputs (Peters and Manz, 2007). Members of a virtual team communicate through electronic tools such as Skype and E-mail, and some of them may never meet face-to-face (Vlaar, 2008). Nowadays, every organization considers that the fast-time, low-cost and rapid solutions to complex organizational problems in a competitive market. A virtual team which combines the talents and expertise of employees and non-employees can effectively solve time and space barriers (Nader et al., 2009).…

    • 916 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Leading a Virtual Team

    • 700 Words
    • 3 Pages

    1, The key problems of Johnson are cross-functional teams, skunk works, team members not harmonious, and the time was no longer a luxury.…

    • 700 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays