Group Project Management

Group projects can be very stressful. Here are some tips to help you manage working on group projects.

• Create a group chat.
  • Having a central way that the entire group can communicate is critical to success. There are a lot of different options to choice from so pick what works best for the group; ideally, something everyone already uses.
    • Suggested Tools: Canvas, email, group text, GroupMe, Discord
• Review the assignment so everyone understands the project.
  • The first group meeting or discussion should focus on making sure everyone clearly understands the assignment and all of its components. Not knowing what you need to do will cause a lot of issues moving forward.
• Assign and keep track of everyone’s responsibilities.
  • After clearly identifying what is required of the assignment, breaking up the assignent and assigning tasks/roles/responcibilities helps make sure that the work is divided and accomplishable.
  • As a group, decide if you want a group leader. If you do, assign one and make sure their role is clear.
    • Suggests Tool: Project Planning
• Set deadlines.
  • By building in increminately due dates, you make sure to not procrastinate until the due date to get work done. Group projects often build upon themselves, needing to complete "Part A" before completeing "Part B". Make sure you give your group enough time to complete all the parts without a pile-up at the end.
    • Suggests Tool: Project Planning
• Meet/Check-in regularly.
  • Staying in communication helps make sure that everyone is remembering to do their part of the assignment and work is being done. If you only meet at the start and then right before the due date, you might not realize that you're missing something, pieces are fitting, etc..
• Address issues quickly – do not wait until it’s too late.
  • Working ina group can be difficult and not everyone will carry their workload equally. Be sure to address issues as they appear and not wait until the end when they've gotten worse. If the conflict is greater than you can deal with, let your professor know what's happening.
    • Suggested Tools: Office Hours Tips
• Be a team player.
  • Do not expect others to be a team player if you're not willing to be one either. Be willing to help and discuss problems. Do your parts well and encourage others to do the same. Make sure you have a positive view even if there are negatives.