Diversity in project teams is a notion that remains very broad and ill-defined, while literature indicates a mixture of positive and negative effects. The goal of this research is to better define diversity, its dimensions and effects, and the ways in which projects are affected by it. This investigation assists in the creation of a set of guidelines, which can be used to assess the current levels of diversity, and which also lead to suggestions that minimize the negative and maximize its positive influence. To accomplish this, the research question is formulated as follows: “How are projects affected by diversity in the project teams?” The design of the research is divided in three phases. Firstly, an extensive literature review revealed the dimensions that are considered and the effects that are generated. Secondly, the development of a questionnaire explored the view of diversity and its effects in practice. A statistical analysis discovered the statistically significant relationships and patterns. Finally, an evaluation process aimed to better explain the findings and provide some insights in how certain conditions are managed. The diversity dimensions’ matrix that was developed through the literature review assisted in the formation of the first, broad definition of diversity in literature. Through the statistical analysis, the number of dimensions was decreased by removing the ones that were considered either irrelative or not even present in the project teams. The investigation of the effects of diversity followed, along with their connection to the dimensions that mainly trigger them. As proved, effects are triggered by either the most present dimensions or by dimensions of special significance. Most of the effects recorded do have a positive influence on the atmosphere of the team and the performance of the project, by achieving for instance better team cohesion and coordination, cooperation, decision-making and creativity. As indicated in the findings, diversity should be further explored. The proposed guidelines can be used to recognize the levels of diversity in the project team and the effects that might be triggered. In this way, the ones that cause negative influence can be managed to boost the atmosphere of the project team and the project performance. The process followed could be repeated by applying some alterations that will assist in the deeper investigation of the variables. For example, the implementation of the guidelines in real projects would verify or reject the findings, leading to the creation of a more extensive guidelines or even a framework. Similar research can also be designed, by changing the way the effects are defined. Professionals could also start applying the guidelines, aiming to recognize the mechanism and control the triggered effects efficiently. Furthermore, the onboarding process followed by new employees and the team bonding are some aspects that should be handled carefully. Investing time and other resources related to these aspects should be among the priorities, since the influence on the team and project aspects is significant.
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‘The Dutch are not going to lose against the sea’, is a commonly accepted quote of the citizens of The Netherlands. Having developed a country below sea level, Dutch people are aware of the challenges of the sea, but are committed in an endless fight against it. Nowadays, with global warming increasing, the challenge for them is even bigger. Sea level rises threateningly, and the estimations about the future conditions are characterized by deep uncertainty. For that reason, the Dutch government identified 13 weak links in the coastal defence system, one of which is the area of interest for this research, the Scheveningen district and its surroundings, belonging to the Municipality of The Hague. Apart from its vulnerable coastal defence position, the area is densely populated and the most popular beach destination of the country. The aim of this research is to provide water safety solutions in the long term (until 2100), while taking into account the stakeholders demands. Secondly, compare the designs and identify specific aspects in which decision makers in the Municipality of The Hague would be forced to make compromises in order to implement a final solution for the project. Thirdly, investigate on additional measures that can complement and optimize the water safety design. For that reason, a background research was conducted through literature reviewing, interviewing experts and stakeholders, in order to collect information about possible sea level rise scenarios, existing boundaries of the system and stakeholders perspectives. The water safety issue was tackled with nature-based solutions following the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management by Building with Nature a framework that delivers solutions for sustainable infrastructure. Two solutions packages were obtained. The first one uses a Preserve strategy, attempting to maintain the current coastline position with soft (sandy) interventions where possible, keeping construction costs relatively low. The second package uses an Advance strategy, extending land in the seaward direction, and creating a large space for the development of natural habitats and human activities. To evaluate and compare the resulting designs, a Multi Criteria Analysis was conducted according to five criteria: Recreation and tourism, Social values, Ecology, Economy and Finance, Sustainability, Design. The goal of this part of the analysis is not the selection of a winner option but the assistance to the decision making process by providing strengths and weaknesses of each option, as well as a comparison between the two in terms of the above mentioned criteria. From this point on, this research identified a total of eight aspects where the decision maker, the Municipality of The Hague, would be forced to make some sort of compromises between different interests, in order to implement the project. The evaluation process resulted in a slight preference for the Advance strategy as the most integrated solution package. The optimization of this design was realised and four additional measures were proposed, leading to a more holistic proposal with more chances to bring acceptance among all stakeholders involved. ... Read more