_____ postulates that project groups transition from a lower level to a higher level of performance about halfway through the project.

The statement refers to the "Tuckman's stages of group development," which proposes that project groups typically experience a transition in their performance as they evolve through different stages. Tuckman's model identifies five key stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. The specific notion that project groups transition from a lower level to a higher level of performance can be particularly observed during the norming stage, where team members begin to work more cohesively and effectively together.

During the early stages of the project (forming and storming), teams often grapple with individual roles, conflict resolution, and establishing trust. It is typically around the midpoint, as they enter the norming stage, that teams start to develop better communication, clarify roles, and improve collaboration. This advancement leads to improved performance and productivity, characterizing their journey to higher-level effectiveness throughout the project.