1 chapter 7 collaborative computing technologies: group support systems

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CHAPTER 7

Collaborative Computing Technologies:

Group Support Systems

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Collaborative Computing Technologies: Group Support

Systems

People

Perform groupwork Need to collaborate Need to communicate

Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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Opening Vignette: Chrysler SCORES with Groupware

Chrysler used groupware to enhance collaboration and communication with suppliers

Identify waste in the Value Chain Eliminate the waste


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Solution

Lotus Notes Application Extended Enterprise System Incentives for suppliers to contribute Vendor relationship system Provides a competitive advantage


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SCORE Benefits

Enhanced relationships with suppliers Better-quality purchasing practices Better quality product Lower costs (in 2000: $2 billion)


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Groupwork Characteristics

Group performs a task Different places Different times Same or different organizations Permanent or temporary


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More Characteristics

Span managerial levels Synergy or conflict Productivity gains / losses Quick response may be required Hard to meet in one place Multiple sources of knowledge External expertise


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Anytime / Anyplace Collaboration

Enabled by Web Low cost PCs


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Meetings

Joint activity Equal or near equal status Outcome depends on participant’s knowledge,

etc. Outcome depends on group composition Outcome depends on decision-making process Disagreement settled by rank or negotiation


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Groupware

To support groupwork / meetings … Computer-supported cooperative work

(CSCW) Software that provides collaborative

support to groups


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Communication Support

Vital Needed for collaboration

Modern information technologies provide inexpensive, fast, capable, reliable means of supporting communication

Internet / WebDecision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.

Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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Supporting Communication Word of mouth Delivery persons Horseback Snailmail Telegraph Telephone Radio Television Videoconferencing Internet / Web


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Nonverbal Communication

Important issue Not captured by most communication

systems


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Supporting Collaboration (CSCW)

People work together Group Support Systems (GSS) Groupware:

Electronic meeting systems Electronic conferencing systems


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A Time/Place Framework

Same Time / Same PlaceDecision Room

Same Time / Different Place Video Conference

Different Time / Same Placevia Internet

Different Time / Different Place


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Time/Place Communication Framework

DifferentPlace

SamePlace

Web-based GSSWhiteboardEmail, VmailWorkflow management systemDocument sharingComputer conferencing with memory

Web-based GSSWhiteboardDocument sharingVideoconferencingAudioconferencingComputer conferencingEmail, Vmail

Different TimeSame Time

GSS in a Decision Room Web-based GSS Workflow management systemDocument sharingEmail, Vmail

GSS in a Decision Room Web-based GSSMultimedia Presentation SystemsWhiteboardDocument sharing


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Groupware

Lotus Notes / Domino ServerIncludes Learning Space

Netscape Collabra Server Microsoft NetMeeting Novell Groupwise GroupSystems TCBWorks WebEx


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Group Support Systems

Goal: to support groupwork Increase benefits / decrease losses of

collaboration Based on

Nominal Group Technique Delphi Method

Electronic Meeting System (EMS)


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Important Features

Parallelism Anonymity

Lead to process gains and task gains


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GSS Process Gains

Parallel information processing / flow Larger groups can participate Rapid computer discussions Quiet people can participate equally Noisy people can’t strongly drive meeting Saves travel time (millions $ / year)


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GSS Process Losses

Free-riding Flaming


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GSS Technologies

Decision room Multiple use facility Web-based


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The Decision (Electronic Meeting) Room

12 to 30 networked personal computers Usually recessed Server PC Large-screen projection system Breakout rooms Need a Trained Facilitator for Success


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Cool Rooms

Source: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ, www.groupsystems.com

US Air Force


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Cool Rooms

IBM Corp.



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Cool Rooms

Murraysville School District Bus



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Few OrganizationsUse Decision Rooms

High Cost Need for a Trained Facilitator Software Support for Cooperative Tasks,

NOT Conflict Issues Infrequent Use Different Place / Different Time Needs May Need More Than One


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Other Technologies

Multiple Use Facility Cheaper Still need a facilitator

Web-based Cheaper: no extra hardware needed Still need facilitator


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GroupSystems

From Groupsystems.com, Tucson, AZ

Comprehensive groupware Windows & Web versions Leading software


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GroupSystems Activities

Agenda Electronic Brainstorming Group Outliner Topic Commenter Categorizer Vote

OthersDecision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.

Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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GSS Meeting Process

Idea generation Idea organization Prioritizing Idea generation

Iterate until solution is reached


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Why GSS?

Successful Need

Organizational commitment Executive sponsor Operating sponsor User-seductive interface Dedicated well-trained facilitator Good planning


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Distance Learning (DL)

Nontraditional classroom CSCW / GSS / Groupware Requires technology Not new Effective Growing fast Corporate, too


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DL Advantages Just as effective or more Flexible time Student can keep job Student can travel in job Access anywhere / anytime Can present new technology cheaply Can focus on specific skills Can cost less Expand classroom size easily


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More DL Advantages

Add breadth and depth to course More one-on-one interaction with instructor

(e-mail) Student/faculty contact time increases For continuous learners Attendance is flexible (Careful!) Discussion technologies Student attitudes evolve and improve Impacts (scores) are higher


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DL Disadvantages

Fewer social interactions Less or no on-campus interaction Communications problems Students MUST be highly motivated Students MUST be highly disciplined Students MUST have effective time

management skills Students MUST be extremely dedicated


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More DL Disadvantages

Takes more faculty and staff time Learner must be more responsible Students MUST work hard!

Others …


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Distance Learning Courseware

Lotus Notes Microsoft NetMeeting Novell GroupWise

Learning Space (Lotus Notes) WebCT LearnLinc Virtual Classroom


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Creativity and Idea Generation

Creativity: Generally a human trait Creativity and innovation

Can create tremendous impacts in organizations


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Idea Generation Electronic Brainstorming Can be simulated Can adjust methods

Create more ideas (information overload)

Cognitive maps - useful


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Creativity

Software that exhibits creativity

Intelligent agents (softbots) Copycat (creates analogies) AARON (creates painted art) Genjam (writes jazz music) Kurzweil’s Cybernetic Poet (writes poems)


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Creativity Software Alternatives

CoBrain


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Software that Facilitates Human Creativity

Project KickStart ThoughtPath Creative WhackPack IdeaFisher


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GSS and Collaborative Computing Issues and

Research

GSS/EMS methods Web groupware Distance learning Virtual organization


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