Thanks for the interesting feedback, hyperpape. I agree that this is tricky, or "delicate" as I prefer to call it. What you cite is a classic example of academ

Thanks for the interesting feedback, hyperpape. I agree that this is tricky, or "delicate" as I prefer to call it. What you cite is a classic example of academia vs. the real world. I am currently responsible for 19 offshore programmers of varying skill levels and work habits and this is exactly how I've been handling their assignments for 5 years. I have gotten better results this way than any other technical lead I know. At first, they love the extra detail. Then over time, they push back. And without exception, they all want to be in my group. Grandparent was my own heavy experience getting great results with issues similar to OP's. I know there are academic studies for just about everything, but remember, it's my ass on the line if the work doesn't get done, not the professors.