Virtual organizations-an opportunity for learning

As the idea that new enterprises may be formed and operated successfully without the normal physical constraints and trappings of office buildings, incorporation organization charts and so on takes hold, so other opportunities will arise. One of these is the opportunity to learn and improve through the adoption of better practices from hitherto alien cultures. This paper presents just some of the intriguing notions that arise from the findings of a recent pilot study on project management practices in seven different industries. The industries investigated were product development, utilities, oil and gas, entertainment, infrastructure (traditionally government), systems development and construction. The findings include a number of potential areas for significant process improvement through the adoption of ideas and practices of one industry by another. The opportunities for such improvements will be enhanced through virtual organizations that span different industries and cultures. This is just one more area where competitiveness may be enhanced.