Virtual project management refers to the process by which a project is completed by using a team of workers who are not all located in the same place. These virtual teams of workers are connected by computer technology which allows them to all work on their specific areas of the project from wherever they might be located. If managed effectively, virtual project management can be a cheap and efficient way to run a business in the modern world. The project manager must make sure that all of his team members are in communication with each other, or else this process can be detrimental to both costs and efficiency.
Computer technology has opened up a new world to businesses everywhere. Specifically, the internet allows for information to be shared instantaneously no matter the locations of the sender and receiver, allowing for local business to expand their scope. In some cases, multiple workers may be located hundreds of miles away from each other and yet they can still be working on the same project. The process of managing all of these workers connected through technology toward a common goal is known as virtual project management.
In general, the same rules apply for virtual project management as would if the workers were having daily meetings together in the same room. The project manager must delineate the objectives and goals of the project, while delegating certain tasks to each of the members of his or her team. Of course, the virtual part of the equation allows for workers to be practically anywhere to receive this information and do their job.
The advantages of virtual project management are significant. A project manager may be able to outsource specific tasks to workers based on their ability, not on their proximity. In addition, the workers themselves may be able to use their own time more efficiently, instead of having to worry about commuting to some centralized location. All of the moving parts can be coordinated into a whole without the parties involved ever actually meeting face to face.
Of course, many of the advantages of virtual project management can easily turn to drawbacks if the project manager fails to accurately communicate with his workers. Since workers in such a scenario are often left to their own devices to complete their tasks, they might not be on the same page with the project manager's goals. For that reason, the project manager must make sure to stay constantly in touch with his workers to prevent wasted effort and time.
