A project is about to start with a global project team. Travel is not a viable option for project team members, so most will participate virtually…

For a global project team that cannot meet in person, establishing a robust virtual collaboration environment is the most critical first step to foster engagement. This "virtual colocation" creates a centralized digital space with tools for real-time communication, document sharing, and collaborative work, which simulates the benefits of a physical team room. This environment is the foundation upon which other engagement activities, such as regular meetings and one-on-ones, can be successfully built. It directly addresses the logistical barrier of distance and enables continuous team interaction and cohesion.

1. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition.

Section 2.4.3

Team Culture: This section emphasizes establishing a collaborative team environment. For virtual teams

it states

"...the project team can establish a team charter that establishes clear expectations on team interactions and create a virtual space for the team to collaborate." This directly supports investing in a virtual environment.

2. Project Management Institute. (2017). Agile Practice Guide.

Section 4.2.3

Distributed Teams: The guide addresses the challenge of teams that cannot be physically collocated. It recommends using "virtual team spaces" and tools like "video conferencing

instant messaging

and collaborative whiteboards" to bridge the physical distance and foster a collaborative atmosphere. This aligns perfectly with creating a virtual colocation environment.

3. Hertel

G.

Geister

S.

& Konradt

U. (2005). Managing virtual teams: A review of current empirical research. Human Resource Management Review

15(1)

69-95.

Page 79

Section 3.2

Team Process: The research highlights that the appropriate use of communication technology is a critical success factor for virtual teams. It states that technology must be selected to match task requirements and support team processes

underscoring the importance of a well-equipped virtual collaboration environment. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2005.01.002)