BT connects teams in global development centers: Organizational environment overhauled to facilitate agile working

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how BT Innovate & Design (BTID), the company responsible for building all the systems and networks used by BT, has overhauled its working environment to facilitate global and agile working.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains that, with teams in the UK, India, China, the USA and central Europe, BTID embarked on a global development center (GDC) program that would enable employees, wherever they are in the world, to work collaboratively on shared documents and programs.

Findings

The paper details the technology at the heart of the new way of working and in particular the use of SMART Board white‐board interactive systems, which combine the simplicity of a white board with the power of a computer.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that BTID has plans for a network of five global development centers worldwide, all adopting the same blueprint and specifically designed to accelerate and improve the quality of development.

Social implications

The paper reveals that the new technology has cut the need for international travel and so has reduced the company's carbon footprint.

Originality/value

The paper highlights technology that could help to develop teamwork in other companies with global operations.

Citation

(2011), "BT connects teams in global development centers: Organizational environment overhauled to facilitate agile working", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 24-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731111125907