Software Product Engineering in a distributed environment requires optimal utilization of teams as well as hardware, software and related resources in order to improve speed to market under budget constraints. In this context, there is a tendency to propose a reduction in management overheads in distributed models and form extended teams that report to managers working at remote locations. This may work for very small extended teams of1 or 2 engineers working on production support or routine maintenance tasks. Does it work for larger teams as well? Many times, practitioners tend to embrace agile principles and recommend a self-directed team of offshore engineers that can work with an onsite manager. Here the compelling question is on the need of an offshore project manager. This gives rise to several related questions ...
