Virtual Team

A virtual team, sometimes referred to as a Geographically Dispersed Team (GDT), is a group of individuals working on a project who use electronic communication technology to meet from various work base locations.

For the purpose of project management, a virtual team will strategize and accomplish their projects from different work bases. The virtual team share a common goal but work from different locations such as different continents or different areas of the building. They may never meet face to face but can do so to prevent feelings of isolation.

A project management virtual team will accomplish projects for a specific amount of scope, time, and cost. Members of the project management team have complimentary goals and skills. They usually have the budget for quality reliable communication technology tools so they can discuss their project plans and accomplishments. The technology tools can include email, groupware, videoconferencing, intranet, fax, chat or telephone conversations. The virtual team represent different departments and locations of the project management team working on their projects.

Like any other team, the project management virtual team define their roles and discuss various aspects of their projects from the beginning to the end processes. They work together to accomplish different project management needs and goals. They also identify the project risks and what can be done about the risks. At the completion of the project, the virtual team will assess their projects and write a report on the accomplishment of their projects.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.