Investigating the effect of team grouping principles on project success : a case study

Time is money, an expression very often used these days. As we know, deadlines and budgets form a critical part of any project. It is for this reason that the researcher decided to investigate the effect that project team composition has on project success. The reality however is that project teams are formed randomly or by availability of personnel and not with due regard to individual competency and the efficiency of team roles. This often leads to project failure. The research aim was to identify and apply various methods used to compose an optimal project team. One of the factors that influences teamwork within the project team is the behaviour of team members. Dr. R. Meredith Belbin developed a Self Perception Inventory (SPI) which is a tool used to determine the preferred team role for every team member. This SPI was applied to the chosen sample and the outcome, which is a report of the individual's preferred team role, was compared to the actual role these individuals performed in one of their unsuccessful projects. The result of the study showed that when individuals are not applied within their preferred team roles it could have a negative effect on the chances for project success