2006 Lawrence, K.

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Publication Title: Walking the Tightrope: The Balancing Acts of a Large e-Research Project
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Author: Lawrence, K.
Publication Keywords: collaboration technology, communication, distributed work, e-Research/cyberinfrastructure,
Publication Journal: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&cluster=6862288967921243745
Connotea URL: http://www.connotea.org/article/9b4aaa306b6bd312bb6cfc5a9e42cc72
SoS Framework: Human
PDF File: Media:KLawrence- Walking Tight Rope.pdf
For User: WikiSysop

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[edit] Abstract

Although e-Research has received much attention and acclaim in recent years, the realities of distributed collaboration still challenge even the most well-planned endeavors. This case study of an e-Research project examines the ‘balancing acts� associated with multidisciplinary, geographically distributed, large-scale research and development work. After briefly describing the history and organizational design of this information technology and atmospheric science research project, I identify five paradoxical challenges that cannot be resolved: research versus development, harmony versus conflict, consensus versus top-down decision making, frequency and modes of communication, and fast versus slow pacing. Although collaboration and communication technologies supported the project�s management and organization, most of the complexities faced by the team were not technological in nature. From the five paradoxical challenges associated with the project, I distill three cross-cutting issues that could be relevant to other e-Research projects of this magnitude: satisfying the multiple needs of a multidisciplinary project, managing information, and engaging all participants. I identify the practical implications of these challenges and issues, specifically that organizational and low-tech solutions – not the introduction of more sophisticated technology tools – are needed to solve these challenges and to better streamline coordination.

[edit] Notes

Five "Paradoxical" Challenges that distributed, multi-disciplinary groups cover 1. Research/Development 2. Harmony vs. Conflict 3. Consensus vs. Top-down decision 4. 'Right' amount of communication 5. Pace of Project

This challenges fall into three categories 1. satisfy multiple needs of multi-discipline project 2. Manage Information 3. Engage all participatnts

My Comments This article deals mostly with human level of interoperability stack. The humanware enters through the use of telecons, AG,e-mail. Doesn't connect the people to the cyberinfrastructure that they are developing.