Multi-disciplinary team based project work: planning factors

The paper examines some aspects of the planning and practice of multi-disciplinary team based design project work at undergraduate level. It is based on a survey conducted for The Royal Academy of Engineering and The Design Council (which would be relevant to any design centred work). Pressures internal and external to engineering courses for the adoption of multi-disciplinary team based work are discussed. A number of key factors arising from the survey are addressed. These include: planning and supporting the development of team working capability across a whole university; the development of capability through consideration of task type, size, duration, disciplines involved, team size, roles and selection.