1) Define Globalization, outsourcing, and virtual teams and describe how these trends are changing IT project management.

1)       Define Globalization, outsourcing, and virtual teams and describe how these trends are changing IT project management.

     Globalization is the widespread ability to communicate and work with almost anyone, anywhere in the world with minimal cost.  This has been made possible with advancements in technology and a political climate where it is easier to trade between many more countries than in the past. 

     “Outsourcing is an organization’s acquisition of goods and services from an outside source.” (Schwalbe, 2014)  The outside source is often another country in relation to globalization. 

     A virtual team is a team of people who are not in the same location, but are able to work together thanks to modern communications technology.   These people could all be in different parts of the world.

     Globalization, outsourcing, and virtual teams are changing IT project management in a few ways.  In some cases the cost of projects have gone way down because organizations are able to use well-trained and educated people who live in countries where the cost of living and therefore wages are much lower than in more developed countries.  Often times if development work or quality assurance is sent off shore, then the business requirements and technical specifications have to be very good and accurate because communication is often more difficult in these scenarios.   Different languages, strong accents, and different time zones can make communication a challenge.  However, if things go smoothly then the scope of the project can be expanded since costs are lower.  Virtual teams lessen cost because the team members do not require office space, but often just a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection are enough.  Also, there is a larger talent pool available across the globe rather than in one country.  Project managers have to adjust to the various scenarios these trends can lead too, such as communication, leadership style, choosing the right project management software, etc.