A new approach for the successful team building in VLSI design projects

Abstract

The functionality and complexity of modern electronic systems increases every year and poses new challenges not only to the industry, but to universities as well. Due to such a rapid development of complex electronics devices and systems, university lecturers and professors are forced to deliver more advanced projects based on teamwork. In order for the students to accomplish projects successfully, university professors should have knowledge and practical skills in social psychology, project management, successful team building. This article discusses an original and interactive successful team building method, called ‘‘Puzzle’’ method - applicable with a self-assessment test, based on M. R. Belbin methodology. This team building method has been tested and applied for four years in Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Faculty of Electronics, accomplishing VLSI chip design projects. Data collected within four years from 64 students indicates, that the most successful projects were carried out by teams consisting of dominant Chairman, Implementer, Completer-Finisher, and Specialist team roles, and as many as 84.4% of the surveyed students (26.6% - well, 57.8% - excellent) positively accepted a synergy of the team that carried out the project.