Temporary groups with deadlines do not seem to follow the usual five-stage model. An alternative model to explain the growth of temporary groups is the punctuated-equilibrium model. The punctuated-equilibrium model characterizes groups as exhibiting long periods of inertia interspersed with brief revolutionary changes triggered primarily by members' awareness of time and deadlines. Under this model, group development occurs along the following stages: (1 ) their first meeting sets the group's direction, (2 ) this first phase of group activity is one of inertia, (3 ) a transition takes place exactly when the group has used up half its allotted time, (4 ) this transition initiates major changes, (5 ) a second phase of inertia follows the transition, and (6 ) the group's last meeting is characterized by markedly accelerated activity.