Collaborating in virtual teams is a new reality in modern project management and work environments. Its emergence calls for an extensive analysis and re-alignment on the part of organizations, so as to help virtual teams maintain 'strategic momentum' - a concept that this book introduces. Strategic momentum represents perseverance with regard to pursuing a virtual team's strategy; a 'flywheel' concept that drives the team members to concentrate on the project tasks until they have reached their shared goal. The authors present a design science based model, together with an in-depth qualitative study involving eight virtual R&D project teams. In this model, strategic momentum is assessed in terms of empowerment, team task insight, and collective commitment. These three determinants can be promoted and sustained by various contextual factors and interventions on the part of the management. The authors also provide a wealth of practical tips to help practitioners and consultants generate and sustain strategic momentum in their own contexts when working with virtual teams.

Dr. Raymond Opdenakker and Carin Cuypers MSc MSc CMC, run their teaching and consultancy practice, Bureau Lara, in The Netherlands. Raymond Opdenakker is academically affiliated with the Open University of The Netherlands, Eindhoven University of Technology (EIT), and the Master School of EIT Digital. He has authored, most often with Carin Cuypers, up to 80 articles and ten books on diverse business issues. Carin Cuypers studied Law and Governance (business and public). She is also affiliated to the Open University of the Netherlands. She has authored up to 60 articles and eight books on diverse business issues.