The optimal size of a Software Development Team

Hello,

I have seen 4 to 5 man team's work very well. This appears to be a natural size in both corporation's with Software Engineering Depts. and Software Dev companies as well, ... in my experience.

It seems to me creating more than one core team of 4 to 5 individuals who are given discrete projects would be preferable over, say, creating a 20+ sized team...

I see the break-down like this -

Software Engineering Director:
1 individual managing 4 managers.
Software Dev Manager (Architect) :
1 individual managing 4 teams.
Team Lead (Architect):
1 individual leading 4 team members
Team Members:
4 individuals


If the above break-down was fully staffed this would create a well-defined cadre of 80 developers (including the team-leads).

Thoughts?

Let me know what your optimum design would be.

(Talk amongst yourselves...)

-d
.