Tech team roles – who does what in an IT project
Computer ScienceCareers in ComputingAges 16–17
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Sign in to playA tech team takes on a project (a school app, a school library website or a computer lab upgrade) with seven tasks that need different skills: UI design, database, network and server setup, back-end programming, usage data analysis, security audit and user support. Assign each task to team members with different roles and watch the Gantt chart: time equals work divided by a speed that depends on skill level, quality depends on who does the task, and some tasks must wait for others. Every role has a card describing what they do, key skills and a typical study path.
Lesson: IT careers: roles, skills and teamwork in a technology project
What it shows
This simulation shows how different IT careers work together on a real project. A team of software developers, data analysts, UX designers, cybersecurity specialists, network engineers and IT support staff must complete seven tasks. Each person has a skill level from none to expert in each task; time equals work divided by a speed from 0.3 to 1.3, and quality ranges from 35% to 95%. Tasks wait for the tasks they depend on, so good assignment balances expertise and workload. Role cards describe each job and a typical study path. The numbers are simplified assumptions for discussion.
How to use
Choose a Project, a Team and a Starting assignment, and set the Deadline. Change who does each task in the table and compare the finish day, the average quality and the warnings. Press Run project to watch time pass on the Gantt chart. Tap a person's row, or use the Role card menu, to read about that role.
Parameters you can change
- Project School app, School library website, Computer lab & network upgrade
- Team make-up All 6 roles, Small team of 3, 3 developers + support
- Project deadline 10–40 days
- Starting assignment By expertise, In turn, ignoring skills, All to one person, Empty, assign yourself
- Role card shown Software developer, Data analyst, UX designer, Cybersecurity specialist, Network engineer, IT support specialist
Questions to explore
- How long does the project take if one developer does every task, and what happens to quality?
- Why is a team of only developers weak at interface design and network setup?
- Which role suits you best, and what would you study to get there?
