I think it depends on the team, the project and organizational environment as well. I am putting this point with the recent experience I had in delivering a time constrained software project, where in the team was formed with members from many other teams. I requested for collocation of the team which was accepted by management. This helped to a great extent in delivering on time and with required quality which would have been very difficult if the team had not been collocated. Of course collocation, might some times, come with an additional cost. That's why I see that it depends on the team, the project and organizational environment
I am a strong believer that face to face meeting will break a lot of ice, at least the kick-off meeting and time to time for awarding ceremony and appreciations.
I found it so useful to meet people face to face and get things done.
I had a team in S Korea for two years, the first year they were responding to me just because they had to, and it was just to minimal level. However, after we met face to face the whole thing changed, and productivity and even the relation was tremendously improved.
Kevin, I agree with you F2F is great but many times it is not possible so cost wise the video conference is a great tool. Saving Changes...
One of the challenges organizations are facing is properly implementing and making available the necessary tools for the distributed team members to effectively work remotely. The investment required for not only the client software, but infrastructure and internal capabilities such as video conferencing in conference rooms.
In an ideal setting, with all tools available, it can indeed be successful. Still F2F is important, but understood, not always practical.
Andrew, I agree with you a good set up of IT and a reliable video conference is not cheap. Saving Changes...
Collocation is still a best practice, but it can be abused if team members don't respect each other's (occasional) need for "me only" time. It's also important for team members to learn to accept each others quirks and eccentricities as physical proximity decreases.
Virtual collaboration tools can help to overcome distance but we tend to struggle with technical glitches and a lack of training/appropriate usage. They've come a long way, but we aren't quite there yet - I'm looking forward to the hologram-like presences shown in the Star Wars & Avengers franchises...
Kiron
Kiron, you made good points but why Hologram are trying to save the shy people who don't want to show their real image just photographic record of light image or you want to bring dead people on 3 D Image however that would complicate the case and increase cost Saving Changes...
I have experience with both scenarios. I agree that it would depend on the project and more importantly the particular industry. I see a lot of responses geared toward software, so I can understand the focus being on mainly interactive reasoning. However, I can also advocate for production. I am currently working with a company that specializes in event production, not just the framework. In this particular industry it is important to have all parties of the team collocated. There are many specifics like graphic production that need a first hand observation to ensure quality and functionality. Although, this is just one scenario and it does not necessarily require total oversight, I thought it would provide a different perspective.
In my experience being together creates a sense of trust that can’t be replicated via video conference or Skype. Also, managing projects becomes much easier when working closely together, because everyone is more invested and attentive, allowing us to deliver better results.
Anish, well you still have few team member working side by side with you so it is not completely eliminating the F2F meeting.
Sante, good points we are using vcon to have a meeting with key stakeholders operating from Asia to Canada
Cool, I don't think I've used Vcon.
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1 reply by Riyadh Salih
May 09, 2018 10:59 PM
Riyadh Salih
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Sante, it is really cool no problem it works perfect here some info might be of interest to you
As of August 15, 2005, VCON Telecommunications Ltd. was acquired by Emblaze Systems Ltd. VCON Telecommunications Ltd. designs and manufactures high-performance, multi-function desktop, and group videoconferencing systems for Internet protocol and other communication networks. Its systems facilitate interactive communication between remote users through two-way videoconferencing, the streaming transmission of data, and joint sharing of computer files. Enterprise Networked Multimedia is the core technology behind VCON’s products, which are targeted at the financial, banking, distance learning, government, and telemedicine sectors. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Herzliya, Israel, with an additional office in Austin, Texas
Sante, it is really cool no problem it works perfect here some info might be of interest to you
As of August 15, 2005, VCON Telecommunications Ltd. was acquired by Emblaze Systems Ltd. VCON Telecommunications Ltd. designs and manufactures high-performance, multi-function desktop, and group videoconferencing systems for Internet protocol and other communication networks. Its systems facilitate interactive communication between remote users through two-way videoconferencing, the streaming transmission of data, and joint sharing of computer files. Enterprise Networked Multimedia is the core technology behind VCON’s products, which are targeted at the financial, banking, distance learning, government, and telemedicine sectors. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Herzliya, Israel, with an additional office in Austin, Texas
Sante, it is really cool no problem it works perfect here some info might be of interest to you
As of August 15, 2005, VCON Telecommunications Ltd. was acquired by Emblaze Systems Ltd. VCON Telecommunications Ltd. designs and manufactures high-performance, multi-function desktop, and group videoconferencing systems for Internet protocol and other communication networks. Its systems facilitate interactive communication between remote users through two-way videoconferencing, the streaming transmission of data, and joint sharing of computer files. Enterprise Networked Multimedia is the core technology behind VCON’s products, which are targeted at the financial, banking, distance learning, government, and telemedicine sectors. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Herzliya, Israel, with an additional office in Austin, Texas
Ah thanks for the update on that :-) Saving Changes...
Keith HoganSr Project Manager / Scrum Master| Sleek Solutions Inc.Saint Petersburg, Fl, United States
Co-location allows for 1 - discussion at the white board 2 - communication through close proximity, 3 - communicating personal feelings and chats at break, 4 - information radiators 5 - others you can ask are nearby, 6 - engenders a feeling of belonging, 7 - Camaraderie. 8 - there are no secrets 9 - someone is always looking over your shoulder 10 - your work habits are on display and most will work harder and better as a result
This level of camaraderie is not achieved with electronic communications and a 15 min video stand-up once a day. Attempting to do so increases the risk of failure. It is more difficult to create the 'one team' mentality.
