Page #142 (21.6 Self-Documenting Approaches)

21.7 Boundaryless Virtual Teams

Boundaryless virtual teams are more of a state of things to come rather than a SPI method itself. However, they do represent both a challenge and even affirmation of traditional SPI methods. Most traditional SPI methods consist of managing tightly knit, co-located teams of people. The theory is that people can't be managed unless they can be seen. It is also theorized that people can't be managed effectively unless they sit together.

The economics of bringing people together under one roof are prohibitive. This industrial age principle not only is fading but must be eliminated altogether as a matter of principle. Telecommuting is the future. People must work out of their homes , their regional preferences, and even their national preferences.

With that in mind, SPI methods of the future must embrace the boundaryless virtual team. Does this mean that traditional software project management methods no longer apply? Absolutely not!

Software project management is the key enabler to boundaryless virtual teams. Boundaryless virtual teams cannot function without carefully orchestrated project plans and precisely organized resources. Furthermore, they cannot function without rigorous resource management and tracking. The future of telecommuting will not marginalize software project planning-driven SPI methods, but rather will validate them.

Boundaryless virtual teams are realized by combining all of the best features of traditional and future SPI methods. This includes sound software project and quality management together with trainingless methods and automated workflow methods.

Low-cost commercial tools, noninvasive measurement, expert system workflow tools, and self-documenting approaches are keys to success. In fact, they are the future.

It is ironic that the prevailing SPI methods seem to stand in opposition to boundaryless virtual teams. Do not limit your ROI analysis to the study of 20th century SPI methods. Instead, open your eyes to the bold possibilities of the 21st century.