ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part contains a manual of guidance that has been designed for use by team managers and members who intend to form and function as virtual teams. These guidelines take the reader through a step-by-step introduction to new ideas, concepts and strategies that must be considered when establishing a successful virtual team. Virtual teams have all the variety of co-located teams, but with the additional diversity that comes with crossing global and cultural boundaries and new information and communication technologies that are introduced to support team members in collaborating and working. It is up to the team themselves to identify which of these guidelines are relevant to them. Virtual team veterans will probably be more able to pick and choose the guidelines that fit most with their operating style, match their project goals and are key to the success of their particular virtual team.
