Project Collaboration
A View on Working Together
Remarkable things can be achieved when two forces join
to solve a common problem. Complex business issues can
be resolved when two industries combine their efforts and
resources. Massive advances and developments have
been seen throughout history and are especially evident in
todays day and age. The principles used in collaboration
are beneficial for many reasons and can be customised to
meet any organisational need.
by Lydia Bundred
D
uring the Second World War,
the word collaboration had
a negative connotation. To
the Europeans who encoun-
tered the forced collaboration
of their people with the foreign occupants of
their country, it was seen as an unequal yoke.
However, the true definition of collaboration
means that two equal parties share their ef-
forts to build towards a solution. Collabora-
tion is working with others to collectively
reach a common goal or objective. It is the pro-
cess where two or more people, or organisa-
tions, work together by collectively using their
strengths and resources to achieve a specific
purpose. A joint effort between two equally
strong units will be guided and led by the
end goal. When two large, resourceful entities
combine their resources and knowledge, they
can achieve more in less time. As Helen Keller
once said, Alone we can do so little; together
we can do so much.
Combined Projects That Changed History
Before modern-day currency, goods were
traded between different regions and people.
Products and produce were made and grown
by those who had the skill and knowledge to
do so. This concentration of efforts and skill
in one area allowed others to benefit by trad-
ing with each other for needed items. This col-
laborative effort laid the foundation for many
of todays practices.
Project management was birthed from the
disciplines of construction, engineering and
defence by a man named Henry Gantt. This
forerunner in project management based
many of his practices on scientific-manage-
ment theories as well as on the processes
used by the navy to build a ship. Many of his
models are prominently used in the project
management field today.
Joint efforts between engineering and
medicine have expanded the borders of how
we view health care by creating devices such
as the pacemaker, artificial hips, stem-cell

Collaboration produces the best results
for those involved, because each entity
functions within its strengths.
grafting and 3-D organ printing, all of which would be im-
possible without working together.
Cross-industry Initiative
In 2009, a project was launched by the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the mining
industry of South Africa to find a solution for the limited
communication between miners and the surface. With the
dangerous and unpredictable conditions within a mine,
constant and reliable communication is essential for safe-
ty, productivity and proper management. The goal of the
project was to design an effective and durable commu-
nication system to keep surface workers and managers
informed of the conditions and events occurring in the
mines so that they are better prepared and equipped to
make decisions and give orders. The solution found by
these professionals was the AziSA system.
According to the CSIR, the AziSA system is a speci-
fication for an open measurement and control network
architecture that will facilitate decision making. The
system functions wirelessly and with minimum human
involvement. It is equipped with little sensors which it
uses to take accurate readings of various underground
conditions; it records these readings and the time of the
measurement, and then relays this information to the
surface. The sensors function in such a way that they can
give vital information regarding potentially hazardous
conditions, thereby allowing recipients of this informa-
tion to make informed decisions.
The result of their collaboration is an operational sys-
tem which has already been implemented in three mines
in Gauteng, North West province and Mpumalanga. With
such technology, safety measures have improved and the
hope is that all mines will be able to benefit from this low-
cost, efficient system.
Build a Model That Suits Your Business
When your organisation is embarking on a new project
or looking for a solution to a problem, you will need the
right resources to achieve your goal. The benefits of collabo-
rating with other experts and industries are that they are
already experts in their field with valuable knowledge that
has been learned over the years. When assembling a team,
be sure to include those who are the authorities in their field
so as to receive informed concepts and ideas. By working
together, you can harness a wealth of knowledge in less time
than it would take your organisation to create a team for this
purpose. Project goals will be reached in less time and at a
lower cost than if acting alone. Collaboration produces the
best results for those involved, because each entity functions
within its strengths.
With each new task or session, include a clear set of ob-
jectives with possible barriers. Include solutions that have
worked in the past and be open to new ones. Document,
track and measure all outcomes in order to build a model
which is customised to suit your operational needs.
Not every situation will require the same strategy
and approach. Even though you may adopt a collective
approach, this does not mean that there must be col-
laboration on all aspects of day-to-day functioning. Too
much collaboration can lead to time-wasting and detract
from day-to-day tasks. When used for problem solving
and innovation, collaboration can be a useful tool.
Collaborative Leadership in the Organisation
A collaborative leader knows when to listen, when to
ask for input, and when to combine collaboration with
other leadership styles to achieve the necessary outcomes.
Controlling every facet of a process or project is not nec-
essary for goals to be reached, but direction is. Knowing
who to partner, or collaborate with, on certain issues is
key to driving towards a successful outcome. Having clear
parameters for the end goal will ensure that all members
work cohesively and that resources are used effectively.
Three of the biggest challenges a team leader will be
faced with during a collaborative project are the differenc-
es in processes, culture and roles within the project. The
internal procedures of an organisation govern its flow of
information and day-to-day operations, but, in the case of
collaboration, both parties need to be flexible. Temporary
processes can be outlined for the purpose and duration of
the project. Culture is a unique factor which is evident in
the life of the business; this area will require compromise
on a daily basis from both sides. Employees may see the
joint effort as a threat to their positions, which makes es-
tablishing clear parameters in respect of functions within
the project essential. When members feel secure in their
role and understand the objectives, they will rally their
skills around the common goal. The best teamwork
comes from [people] who are working independently to-
ward one goal in unison, says James Cash, the Founder of
J.C. Penny, who found this truth essential in managing and
building his brand. Proper planning and management of a
combined project can positively influence the current and
future state of any organisation and bring about results
that would otherwise be unreachable.
Benefits of collaboration:
It saves on resources.
It harnesses a wealth of knowledge from experts.
It achieves more in less time.