Managing team entrees and withdrawals during the project life cycle

A well-known PM axiom is that the composition of project teams must reflect the needs of the projects. Such needs typically change over the course of the project. Moreover, project members may enter or withdraw from projects due to 'natural' causes. Projects thus undergo shifts in terms of the composition of teams during the project life cycle. This paper focuses on managerial challenges related to the complexity and multitude of entry into - and withdrawal from projects on the basis of a single case study. This case study and a literature study are employed to identify issues and, henceforward, managerial tasks that project managers ought to be especially aware of. Drawing on these managerial tasks, we advocate that the project manager ought to handle transitions in the composition of the project team. Furthermore, we suggest that (s)he introduces rites marking such transitions. Finally, we advocate the appointment of a formal mentor to assist new team members in becoming acquainted with the project.