[Previous] [Next] I. The coordination problem and the paper paradox. A. Why is coordination necessary? 1. There are complex causal and temporal dependencies between subtasks. 2. Time constraints require that the assignment be subdivided into tasks 3. Failure to coordinate can produce problems and inefficiencies (i.e. redundancies, delays, and reworkings) B. Therefore, it is vital to have: 1. Shared methods of sequencing, combining and consolidating activitites 2. Systematic techniques for representing and communicating information about the dependencies that hold between different subtasks and the progress of each team member.