Garcia Medina, L. (2011). Task distribution method for projects [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://resolver.obvsg.at/urn:nbn:at:at-ubtuw:1-49143
This thesis examines a solution for some of traditional problems in project management: how to distribute tasks among team members of the project, how to evaluate the effort level required for each of those tasks and how to reward one particular team member if he or she finished correctly one assigned task? This research develops one flexible method that may answer all those questions. The idea is simple, with a set of rules the own team will be able to self-manage those decisions. Instead of using the subjective point of view of just one person (the project manager), this method asks to the team members for what is their view of the different tasks. The team members rate the tasks of the project and using this information those tasks are democratically distributed. That information provides also the team members' estimations about each task, so there is a parameter that may be used to evaluate the effort level required for each task. Finally the team members receive a reward proportional to the effort level required, if the task is correctly performed, and a reward proportional to the level of success of the whole project. With simulations this thesis analyses the performance of this method and the possible modification in order to adapt it to different situations. One of the main problems for failure of self-managing teams within organizations has been the lack of clear working methodologies.<br />Some leaders saw self-managing teams as an excuse to delegate more work and gave away many of their unwanted duties only to burden the staff with tedious responsibilities without considering the necessary training and experience. With this method, an organization has an easy to use tool. It may be a pivotal point where the organization may test and develop their self-managing team system. Human factors in task assignment during project management are very complex topics of research. The final contribution of this study is to open up research directions which explore new ways of participatory work scheduling, distribution and appraisal.