Überall, W. (2010). Decision support modeling with standard tools [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://resolver.obvsg.at/urn:nbn:at:at-ubtuw:1-52173
This thesis investigates the management of communications in remote construction and mining projects. Due to the remote nature of the projects, the team structure will not be a traditional structure. Instead the team will most likely be divided into collocated subgroups and communicate through ICT, as a Partially Distributed Team (PDT). Issues faced by this type of team structure are investigated, along with literature on virtual teams, global virtual teams and distributed teams. Particular focus is paid to the challenges of operating these types of teams, trust within these types of teams, and the challenge posed by in-group dynamics. Communications management processes and tools are investigated. The communications management plan is a main part of the communications management process. A selection of the communications tools available for use is reviewed, with a focus on those that can be adapted for use in a PDT. Tools for project planning, project execution and project reporting are considered. A brief examination of the use and issues associated with remote construction and mining projects is presented. The above elements are combined and discussed, separated into the three stages of project planning, executing and reporting. Conclusions are reached regarding the need for an intra-team section in the communications management plan, the requirement for and use of face to face contact, and the adaption and use of communications tools. Guidelines are discussed for the prevention of negative effects of in-group dynamics. Some issues are unresolved, for example media choice and leadership and communication structure. A summary is presented, and limitations discussed. One key limitation is the use of student teams in most of the research to date, and the lack of studies on functioning commercial teams. This is a possible area for further research, the study of the principles and guidelines discussed in commercial distributed teams.