ITGSS Certified Technology Specialist

During a project, communication paths increase as team size does. How is this relevant?

1. Indicates a need for new communication tools

2. Helps in budgeting for team resources

3. Shows increased project complexity

4. Ensures better quality of deliverables

The correct answer is: Shows increased project complexity

As team size increases, the number of communication paths also rises significantly, which directly correlates with project complexity. This phenomenon can be understood through the concept of combinations; for example, if you have a team of four members, there are six possible two-member communication links. When you add a fifth member, the number of communication paths jumps to ten. Hence, this exponential increase can complicate coordination, make tracking information challenging, and lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. In practical terms, as the complexity of communication grows due to more interactions and potential misalignments, project management practices need to adapt accordingly. Teams may require clearer communication strategies, defined roles, or more structured processes to manage interactions effectively to ensure that everyone remains aligned with project goals. Thus, recognizing that increased communication paths signal greater complexity helps managers strategize how to mitigate risks and manage the project more effectively.