IT Manager's Experience: Distance Management During COVID-19

This research project investigates the experiences of IT managers at Hyperlink Info System UK regarding distance management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs a qualitative research approach with primary and secondary data collection methods, analyzing data from 20 employees. Key findings highlight significant changes in work dynamics, challenges in leadership at a distance, the importance of new rules and regulations, and difficulties in detecting employee feelings. The research also explores the use of collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the productivity of virtual teams, and the effectiveness of multiple communication channels. The conclusion emphasizes the successful adaptation of IT managers to distance management through work-from-home policies, recommending clear deliverables, well-defined work systems, and overlapping working hours to enhance virtual team productivity and management. The report references relevant academic works to support its findings and recommendations.

Research
Project

CONTENTS
 INTORDUCTION
 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
 DATA INTERPRETATION
 CONCLUSION
 RECOMMENDATION
 REFERENCES

INTRODUCTION
 As we all know that due to covid-19 pandemic, many companies have faced a
lot of challenges while managing remote work.
 Companies already have had to refocus and need more attention on their
workforce plan so that they can work effectively towards goals.
 IT managers has tried their best to enhance and motivate employee
engagement process while working at home.
 With the available technologies such as high speed internet, emails and
communication strategy they ensure to continue employee connectivity and
productivity.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Aim
“The main aim of the current research study is to evaluate how IT managers have experienced
distance management during covid19 pandemic – A study on Hyperlink Info System UK”.
Objectives:
 To analyse the concept of work for home during covid19 pandemic
 To evaluate different collaborative tools adopted by the company for effective management of work
 To discuss the importance of virtual teams and leadership in enhancing the productivity of the company
 To recommend strategies for effectively managing virtual teams

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Type of methodology Methodology used
Research type Qualitative research type
Research approach Inductive approach
Research philosophy Interpretivism philosophy
Data collection Primary and secondary methods
Sampling 20 employees of Hyperlink Info System UK
Data analysis Qualitative analysis

DATA ANALYSIS
Theme 2:Leadership worked less at a distanceTheme 1:Work completely changed after pandemic
60%
25%
15%
Completely changed
Slightly changed
Not changed at all
50%50% Worked well
Worked less

Continued….
Theme 3:Do’s and don’ts is the main difference in
work before and after pandemic
Theme 4:Issues of detecting feelings was the biggest
challenge in directing employees who are working
from home
29%
71%
New rules and regulations
Do’s and don’ts
15%
10%
50%
25% Less social interaction
No Face-to-face meetings
Issues of detecting
feelings
Problems in picking up
conflicts

Continued….
Theme 5:Managers think that they cannot better direct
their employees over distance
Theme 6:There has been change in the work timings as
employees are working remotely
25%
75%
Yes
No
46%
54%
Yes
No

Continued….
Theme 8:Virtual teams are productive as
compared to the teams in office
Theme 7:Microsoft and Zoom collaborative tools were mainly
used by the company
35%
35%
10%
20%
Microsoft teams
Zoom
Drop box
Evernote 65%
35%
Yes
No

Continued….
Theme 10:Multiple communication tools can be
utilized for enhancing work and managing
virtual teams effectively
Theme 9:Collaboration worked well in virtual teams
75%
25%
Worked well
Worked less
75%
25%
Worked well
Worked less

CONCLUSION
 The primary research along with the secondary research have both supported the fact that IT
managers of Hyperlink Info System UK have experienced distance management during covid19
pandemic effectively.
 Furthermore, it has been found out that for dealing with this situation, company have allowed
people to work at home as they seek alternative work arrangements. Further, they have applied
work from home policy as their priority during that time.