As global competition is increasingly intensified, radical innovation has become more and more important for corporations in high-velocity industries. Thanks to the advances of information systems and communication media, corporations can easily reach out to experts all over the world and form project teams dedicated to the innovation effort. However, research shows that while some innovation teams are very successful in achieving significant breakthroughs, many struggle to make their collaborations work. In this dissertation, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the collaboration challenges that an innovation team faces. By considering the simultaneous needs for differentiation and integration in the innovation effort and taking a communication/ interpretive perspective, we develop a theoretical model to investigate how the processes of differentiation and integration are shaped through team communication and influence an innovation team's collaboration outcomes. Specifically, we delineate four structural properties of team communication to capture these two processes - the number of issue streams explored, the number of attention switches initiated, the conceptual linkage between issue streams, and the level of deliberation after each attention switch - and identify four categories of factors that influence the development of these two processes - team composition, semi-structures, communication contexts, and communication environments. We conduct a case study as a preliminary test of our theoretical model, and find that the model provides comprehensive explanations for the collaboration dynamics and issues of these teams. We believe such a theoretical model can contribute to a better understanding of the complexity involved in an innovation project and bring fresh insights to the design of information systems for supporting an innovation team.

Title : Cultural influence on decision making in project team : The case of telecommunication industry Level : Master Thesis of Business Administration: Business Management Authors : Etchu Oben Agborsangaya and Maryam Taheri Supervisor : Professor Akmal Hyder Date: 2013 June Purpose : In the last few decades, the effects of globalisation has changed the way many companies carry out their activities. Greater emphasis are now placed on project management in a dynamic and effective atmosphere. As a result of this, companies try to understand how culture influences decision making in project teams in different countries. The purpose of this research is to investigate how culture influence decision making in project teams through an empirical study of telecommunication industry in Nigeria and Sweden by using Hofstede's framework on cultural dimensions. Research Questions : (1) How does culture influence decision making in project teams? (2) what are the similarities and differences in decision making in project teams between Nigeria and Sweden? Approach : The research design for this study includes literature review and qualitative method. The primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews with project managers and workers in project teams. The secondary data was collected through articles, journals and books. Data from the findings were analysed using coding. Results & Conclusions : It was found that culture influence decision making in project teams. In Nigeria, decision making in teams is more relax type because people try to avoid conflict by not hurting another person’s feelings while in Sweden decision making is more of a participating type in which each member in team has to be consulted and a consensus is arrived at before making the decision. Nigerian team values respect for senior colleagues and prefer hierarchy where codes of conduct exist, formality and inflexibility at work when compared to Sweden. 3 Contribution of the study : We recommend that prospective project managers of the mixed Swedish-Nigerian project team should encourage a participative involvement of all the members of teams in decision making and high degree of flexibility at work. This will lead to an efficient and effective project teams. The fact that this study was based on an important field of studies - project management, we could recommend that the impact of culture on project management could be explored in future research. Key words: Culture, project management cultural influence, decision making, project team, Telecommunication industry, Sweden and Nigeria.

Le concept de coopétition s'intéresse aux stratégies d'entreprise simultanément concurrentielles et coopératives. Il les envisage du point de vue de la dialectique et du paradoxe. De nombreux travaux abordent les déterminants des stratégies de coopétition à partir de diverses perspectives théoriques. La complexité du phénomène requiert l'intégration de plusieurs niveaux de déterminants. Les difficultés liées à la mise en œuvre de stratégies de coopétition sont peu abordées par la littérature. Par essence paradoxales, les stratégies de coopétition créent des tensions spécifiques, définies comme des tensions coopétitives. Pour que les partenaires atteignent leurs objectifs, les tensions coopétitives doivent être managées. La thèse vise à répondre à la problématique suivante : s'il semble opportun pour deux entreprises leaders et concurrentes sur un même marché de mutualiser leurs forces au travers d'une stratégie de coopétition pour atteindre un objectif commun, comment gèrent-elles les tensions induites par la mise en œuvre d'une telle stratégie paradoxale ? Trois axes de questionnement se déclinent à partir de la problématique centrale. Ils abordent successivement les déterminants des stratégies de coopétition, les sources de tensions coopétitives et leur management. Un acteur tiers doté de compétences architecturales peut contraindre les stratégies de coopétition. Selon l'influence de cet acteur tiers architecte, deux formes de coopétition sont distinguées : la coopétition intermédiée et la coopétition non-intermédiée. Les déterminants, les sources de tensions coopétitives et leur management sont envisagées pour ces deux types de coopétition. Le secteur des télécommunications de l'industrie spatiale est retenu comme cadre empirique. La méthode de recherche est qualitative. Elle repose sur l'étude approfondie de deux programmes spatiaux de télécommunications menés conjointement par les deux industriels européens : Astrium (EADS) et Thales Alenia Space (Thales). Le cas Alphabus est représentatif d'une stratégie de coopétition intermédiée. Le cas Yahsat est représentatif d'une stratégie de coopétition non-intermédiée. Les résultats intègrent le niveau de l'industrie, de l'organisation et de l'individu pour comprendre l'adoption de stratégies de coopétition. Des tensions coopétitives apparaissent au niveau de l'industrie, au niveau dyadique, organisationnel, intra-organisationnel et interindividuel. Bien que nécessaire, le cadre contractuel est insuffisant pour assurer une gestion efficace des tensions coopétitives. Les SI facilitent le management des tensions coopétitives. Des dispositifs et des actions spécifiques sont nécessaires. L'étude met en exergue deux modes de management des tensions coopétitives. Dans le cas d'une stratégie de coopétition intermédiée, le management des tensions coopétitives est externalisé à l'acteur tiers. Dans le cas d'une stratégie de coopétition non-intermédiée, le management des tensions coopétitives est internalisé. Il repose sur l'équipe-projet, sa structure de gouvernance et son chef de projet. La duplication des postes clés au sein de l'équipe est primordiale. Le chef de projet est doté de compétences spécifiques. Personnage schizophrène, il intègre le paradoxe de la coopétition et assure la gestion des tensions au sein de l'équipe au travers de ses différentes missions. / The concept of co-opetition analyzes simultaneous cooperative and competitive strategies from a dialectical and paradoxical perspective. Previous scholars focused on drivers of co-opetition using various theoretical backgrounds. The complexity of the phenomenon requires a multiple-level framework to understand the drivers of co-opetition. A gap exists in the literature about the implementation of co-opetitive strategies. Since paradoxical, co-opetitive strategies create specific tensions defined as “co-opetitive tensions”. To achieve their goals, partners need to manage efficiently co-opetitive tensions. The thesis aims to answer the following question: if two competing leaders join their forces in a co-opetitive strategy to reach a common objective, how do they manage the tensions resulting from the implementation of such a paradoxical strategy? Three issues come from this questioning: the drivers of co-opetition, the sources of co-opetitive tensions and their management. A third party as an architect can constrain the emergence of co-opetitive strategies. Thus, two types of co-opetition are distinguished: intermediated co-opetition and non-intermediated co-opetition. For both types of co-opetition, drivers, sources of co-opetitive tensions and their management are investigated. The empirical study is conducted within the sector of manufacturing telecommunications' satellites. The method is qualitative. It is based on two in-depth case studies of common programmes conducted by European manufacturers: Astrium (EADS group) and Thales Alenia Space (Thales group). The programme Alphabus is an exemplar case of intermediated co-opetition. The programme Yahsat is an exemplar case of non-intermediated co-opetition. The results of the study combine industry-level, organization-level and individual-level to understand the drivers of co-opetition. Co-opetitive tensions appear at the industry, dyadic, organizational, intra-organizational and inter-individual levels. Even necessary, contracts are insufficient to manage efficiently co-opetitive tensions. Information systems facilitate the management of co-opetitive tensions but specific tools and actions are needed. The study provides insights about managing co-opetitive tensions. In the case of intermediated co-opetition, the management is externalized through a third party. In the case of non-intermediated co-opetition, the management is internalized. Its efficiency depends on the team, the governance structure of the team and on the project manager. Managerial responsibilities must be duplicated and equally shared by both partners. The project manager has specific competences. Schizophrenic character, he embodies the paradox of co-opetition. Through its various missions, he is responsible for the management of co-opetitive tensions within the team.

The aim of the thesis is application of project management theoretical knowledge for human resources in international automotive company. The thesis deals with project management in general and characterizes the most usable techniques. Afterwards it describes principles of human resources management in projects and its practical application in preselected company.

No / The importance of a collaborative approach between the project team, end-users, and stakeholders in managing complex decisions and risks in project environments has long been emphasized. The Porter model emphasizes the need to focus on client needs and competitive advantage. However, a lack of resources and capability development may hinder the project team's ability to provide appropriate services. Supervisors, team members, and end-users can play a supportive role in easing complexity in risk management and decision-making. It is important to understand standards as performance measures for decision-making and the need for detailed knowledge of the project brief. The value of group decision support systems and low-intensity involvements in decision-making would give rise to involving end-users in critical decision-making, the importance of focusing on organizational culture and strategic planning, and the need for a change of mindset to align individual perceptions with the norm. It is also important to gather and analyze information before making a decision. While some project teams see end-users as a threat to their judgment, the research emphasizes the duty to respond to end-users' needs and highlights the value they add to risk assessment.

abstract: The success or failure of projects is not determined only by procedures, tasks, and technologies, but also by the project team and its effectiveness. In order to lead project teams towards successful outcomes, project managers must maintain high quality relationships in the workplace. When looking at employees’ relationships in the workplace, Social Exchange Theory introduces two types of exchanges: employee-organization and leader-member exchanges. While both types of exchanges focus exclusively on the employee’s longitudinal relationships, the interpersonal relationships among the team members are usually overlooked. This research presents the results of a quantitative study of the interpersonal relationships of 327 project managers and assistant project managers in their workplace. Specifically, the study investigates if the quality of the relationship with particular stakeholders, such as one’s immediate supervisor (boss), peers, or subordinates, drives the individual’s quality of the relationship with other stakeholders. Contrary to the expectations, in strictly hierarchical organizations (one direct supervisor), there is no significant correlation between the quality of relationships with the boss and the overall quality of the individual’s relationships. However, in the case of matrix organizations (two or three bosses), there are significant correlations between several variables such as the quality of the relationship, perceived importance and the time spent with each stakeholder, as well the inclination of the participant towards leadership actions. The driving relationship in matrix organizations is the one with “the most important peer”. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2019

<p>The last decade has seen the huge impact of globalization on the way organizations perform their routine activities with a greater than before extent of focus on project management in order to be in sync with the fast changing environment. Therefore the companies are required to understand a national culture’s impact on decision making in project teams in different countries. This thesis investigates the national cultures influence on decision making in project teams in Thailand and India by focusing on IT industry based on Hofstede’s (1980) five cultural dimensional framework. The researchers intend to identify similarities and differences in decision making styles of both countries. Throughout the study, useful lessons for project team on national cultures impact on decision making can be drawn for IT companies in Thailand and India and future mixed-culture teams. It also provides the insight for the project teams to have concern for and understand why people from different cultures act or respond to various situations differently giving high emphasis to decision making process.</p><p>An empirical qualitative research using semi-structured interviews was conducted from a total of 12 IT project team members in Thailand and India based on their experiences on cultural influence on decision making when working in project teams. The research revealed that there are significant differences in decision making styles of Thai and Indian IT teams, and the differences have strong links with cultural aspects. The results also addressed number of similarities in the decision making styles of Thailand and India. The major implication is that the knowledge of the cultural differences and similarities would facilitate better management of mixed Thai-Indian project teams. Therefore, by keeping in mind the importance as well as the impact of various national cultures and presenting each member with social working knowledge of peers within the mixed-culture team, arguments and conflicts due to misconception and pre-judgment can be minimized. Hence it will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the working process and environment in the project teams.</p>

The last decade has seen the huge impact of globalization on the way organizations perform their routine activities with a greater than before extent of focus on project management in order to be in sync with the fast changing environment. Therefore the companies are required to understand a national culture’s impact on decision making in project teams in different countries. This thesis investigates the national cultures influence on decision making in project teams in Thailand and India by focusing on IT industry based on Hofstede’s (1980) five cultural dimensional framework. The researchers intend to identify similarities and differences in decision making styles of both countries. Throughout the study, useful lessons for project team on national cultures impact on decision making can be drawn for IT companies in Thailand and India and future mixed-culture teams. It also provides the insight for the project teams to have concern for and understand why people from different cultures act or respond to various situations differently giving high emphasis to decision making process. An empirical qualitative research using semi-structured interviews was conducted from a total of 12 IT project team members in Thailand and India based on their experiences on cultural influence on decision making when working in project teams. The research revealed that there are significant differences in decision making styles of Thai and Indian IT teams, and the differences have strong links with cultural aspects. The results also addressed number of similarities in the decision making styles of Thailand and India. The major implication is that the knowledge of the cultural differences and similarities would facilitate better management of mixed Thai-Indian project teams. Therefore, by keeping in mind the importance as well as the impact of various national cultures and presenting each member with social working knowledge of peers within the mixed-culture team, arguments and conflicts due to misconception and pre-judgment can be minimized. Hence it will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the working process and environment in the project teams.

Interpersonal conflict is a research topic increasingly gaining importance in project management. The purpose of this exploratory study was to find out how relationship conflict affects task conflict in projects. The research investigated the styles individuals prefer to handle task conflict with colleagues in bad personal relationship. The influence of four personal characteristic variables (Gender, Age, Work experience and Culture background) on the choice of conflict handling styles were examined at the same time. ROCI-II was used as the data collection instrument. Questionnaires were published through web-based online survey system. 182 valid responses were collected in two weeks. Data was analyzed with statistic software SPSS. The results revealed that integrating, compromising, avoiding, dominating and obliging are the five styles ranked from highest to lowest preferred by individuals to handle task conflicts with colleagues in bad personal relationships. High value of assertiveness and negative value of cooperativeness indicated that in a situation of relationship conflict, individuals are more assertive and less cooperative to deal with task conflicts with colleagues. Results of the study didn't show significant difference among personal characteristic groups. High correlations among conflict handling styles were discovered from this study. Implications of the research findings for theoretical and practical organizations or individuals are provided. Areas and recommendations for future research are suggested.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-05-12T20:30:16Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Nádia Lima.pdf: 1541830 bytes, checksum: 9281ed0500aafa84448161028048b5af (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-12T20:30:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Nádia Lima.pdf: 1541830 bytes, checksum: 9281ed0500aafa84448161028048b5af (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-25 / The influence of culture in organizations has been the focus of research and studies since a long time ago, and the reason is that culture shapes decision patterns of a company, guides their actions and directs the individual behavior of all the organization’s professionals. In the project environment, interactions between the project managers and team members may also be affected by variables such as culture and the projects manager's leadership style. Focused in this context, the aim of this study is to assess how the cultural diversity of global project’s members of multinational companies can influence the projects manager’s management skills. Therefore, this study presents issues about project management and management of global project teams and also references about concepts and approaches of culture, highlighting the cultural diversity. This study is a qualitative and descriptive multiple case, that was conducted in multinational companies. The main purposes of this study are collaborate with other research on culture in the project management environment, and contribute to a better understanding on how project managers can deal with the influence of cultural diversity in the management of global projects team.The results of this research demonstrate that the different cultural characteristics (language, values, religion and others) of the members of a global project can influence both negative and positive the management ability of global project managers and that managers of such projects have to deal with a number of challenges that require various personal skills and social relationships, and the adoption of measures to minimize potential problems in this context. Thus, the main contributions of this study are provide a better understanding of how project managers can handle the influence of cultural diversity in the management of global project teams as well as collaborate with future research on culture in the project management environment. / Há muito tempo a influência da cultura nas organizações tem sido o foco de pesquisas e estudos, e a razão disso, é que a cultura molda padrões de tomada de decisão das empresas, guia suas ações e direciona o comportamento individual de todos os profissionais da organização. No ambiente de projetos, as interações entre o gerente de projetos e os membros da equipe também podem ser afetadas por variáveis, como a cultura e o estilo de liderança do gerente de projetos. Focado nesse contexto, o objetivo desse estudo é analisar como a diversidade cultural existente entre os integrantes de projetos globais de empresas multinacionais pode influenciar a habilidade de gestão do gerente de projetos. Para isso, o estudo aborda os temas de gerenciamento de projetos, e gestão de equipes de projetos globais e empresas multinacionais, e ainda apresenta referências sobre conceitos e abordagens de cultura, destacando a diversidade cultural. Trata-se de um estudo de caso múltiplo qualitativo e descritivo, que foi realizado em empresas multinacionais com operação no Brasil. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa demostram que as diferentes características culturais (idioma, valores, religião e etc) dos integrantes de um projeto global podem influenciar de forma tanto negativa quanto positiva a habilidade de gestão dos gerentes de projetos globais e que os gerentes deste tipo de projetos têm de lidar com uma série de desafios que exigem várias habilidades pessoais, sociais e de relacionamento, além da adoção de medidas para minimizar os possíveis problemas existentes neste contexto. Assim, as principais contribuições deste estudo são oferecer um melhor entendimento sobre como gerentes de projetos podem lidar com a influência da diversidade cultural na gestão de equipes de projetos globais e ainda colaborar com pesquisas futuras sobre a cultura no ambiente de gestão de projetos.