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SEGMENT 5

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

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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 / Web

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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.

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

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Cool Rooms

Murraysville School District Bus

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

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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

Others

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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