5 Module V: Teamwork
Teamwork: Collaboration and Project Management
Elissa Ledoux; Mohammad Uddin; and Nicholas Matta
ABET Student Outcomes
ENGR Student Outcome 5: an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
ET Student Outcome 5: an ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams
We all know the saying, “Two heads are better than one.” While teamwork can spur a project forward much more efficiently and productively, and produce a higher quality end product, than one person working alone, that does not mean that collaboration is always easy! This module discusses tips and practices for efficient project management and smooth collaboration.
V.1) Project Scoping
Information
According to Katie Hanna et al. at TechTarget, project scope is “the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks, costs and deadlines.” The following video from Eye on Tech explains this in more detail:
Activity
Define your project scope, focusing on the goals and deliverables (tasks and deadlines will be addressed in the next section, V.2). Use the Project Scoping Template to format your document.
V.2) Gantt Charts and Timelines
Information
A Gantt chart is a graphical project timeline based on tasks and times to completion. It is in a bar chart form, where the horizontal axis represents time (dates) and the vertical axis indicates project tasks. This is a very common project planning tool that is easy to understand and facilitates project scheduling. The following slides explain the history of Gantt charts and steps for implementation.
Gantt Chart Schedule Slides
This video tutorial shows how to make an automated Gantt chart in Microsoft Excel.
Activity
Based on the information and tutorial above, make an automated Gantt chart for your project in Microsoft Excel. Use it as a guide to plan your semester and stay on track with project work to completion.
V.3) Critical Path
Information
The Critical Path Method (CPM) or Critical Path Analysis, is a graphical, logical and mathematically based algorithm for scheduling a set of project activities. It is basically a more detailed version of a Gantt chart based on a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), which outlines the steps necessary for project completion and the time to complete each. CPM is commonly used with all forms of projects, including construction, software development, research projects, product development, engineering, and plant maintenance, among others. Any project with interdependent activities can apply this method of scheduling. The following slides explain the critical path method in three parts:
- Critical Path Method Part I – Basics
- Critical Path Method Part II – Calculations
- Critical Path Method Part III – Floats
Microsoft Project is a commonly used platform for critical path planning and analysis. The following video tutorials explain how to implement CPM in Microsoft Project.
Activity
Make a work breakdown structure for your project in Microsoft Project (or another project planning software available at your school). Calculate the float times and highlight the critical path.
V.4) Sprint Planning
Information
Sprint planning, sometimes called scrum, or scrum planning, is a way of identifying near-future goals, assigning tasks, and checking in on past assignments during a concentrated work period, typically 2-4 weeks. This is done in a 30-minute team meeting in order to keep the project on track and ensure that everyone is contributing to their full potential, operating in parallel rather than series to make progress more quickly as a team. The following video from Kaizenko explains this in more detail:
Activity
At your weekly team meeting, review the accomplishments of the week, check in on each team member, and assign tasks moving forward. Fill out the template below as a team to organize your sprint. Seek help from your instructor or advisor, or additional resources where needed.
At the next meeting, everything in the “future goals” section should move to the “past accomplishments” section if the project is on track. If someone does not meet his or her goals for the sprint, check in with them. Are they overloaded, do they need help, or are they just slacking? Does anyone who finished early need more work to do or have an additional avenue in mind that they would like to pursue to take the project to the next level? Make adjustments to the sprint and timeline and set expectations as necessary.
V.5) Defining Success
Information
What is success?
Success means different things to different people, but it has two aspects:
- Theoretical: Did you give it your best shot?
- Practical: Did you reach the goal?
The Success Slides for Instructors offers a guided class discussion specific to team-based senior capstone projects.
Activity
Is your team on track for success? If not, how will you fix it? What are the next steps? Evaluate the state of your project mid-semester using the Success Worksheet. Then with your plan for the future and the given state of affairs, adjust your Gantt chart as necessary to reflect goals, timeline, and responsibilities for the rest of the term.
V.5) Professionalism
Student professionalism involves the behaviors, attitudes, and values that students display to show their dedication to their education and future careers. Key traits include responsibility, respect for others, honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. By demonstrating professionalism, students show respect toward their professors and peers, reflect positively on their character, and prepare themselves for the responsibilities of adulthood. This foundation of professionalism is essential for success in both academic and professional settings, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The PowerPoint below contains information regarding key skills for academic and career success.
- Student Professionalism – Powerpoint
