CHAPTER 7Collaborative Computing Technologies: Group Support Systems

Collaborative Computing Technologies: Group Support SystemsPeople

Perform groupworkNeed to collaborateNeed to communicate

Opening Vignette: Chrysler SCORES with GroupwareChrysler used groupware to enhance collaboration and communication with suppliersIdentify waste in the Value ChainEliminate the waste

SolutionLotus Notes ApplicationExtended Enterprise SystemIncentives for suppliers to contributeVendor relationship systemProvides a competitive advantage

SCORE BenefitsEnhanced relationships with suppliersBetter-quality purchasing practicesBetter quality productLower costs (in 2000: $2 billion)

Groupwork CharacteristicsGroup performs a taskDifferent placesDifferent timesSame or different organizationsPermanent or temporary

More CharacteristicsSpan managerial levelsSynergy or conflictProductivity gains / lossesQuick response may be requiredHard to meet in one placeMultiple sources of knowledgeExternal expertise

Anytime / Anyplace CollaborationEnabled by WebLow cost PCs

MeetingsJoint activityEqual or near equal statusOutcome depends on participants knowledge, etc.Outcome depends on group compositionOutcome depends on decision-making processDisagreement settled by rank or negotiation

GroupwareTo support groupwork / meetings Computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW)Software that provides collaborative support to groups

Communication SupportVitalNeeded for collaboration

Modern information technologies provide inexpensive, fast, capable, reliable means of supporting communicationInternet / Web

Supporting CommunicationWord of mouthDelivery personsHorsebackSnailmailTelegraphTelephoneRadioTelevisionVideoconferencingInternet / Web

Nonverbal Communication

Important issue Not captured by most communication systems

Supporting Collaboration (CSCW)People work togetherGroup Support Systems (GSS)Groupware:Electronic meeting systemsElectronic conferencing systems

A Time/Place FrameworkSame Time / Same PlaceDecision Room Same Time / Different Place Video ConferenceDifferent Time / Same Placevia Internet Different Time / Different Place

GroupwareLotus Notes / Domino ServerIncludes Learning SpaceNetscape Collabra ServerMicrosoft NetMeetingNovell GroupwiseGroupSystemsTCBWorksWebEx

Group Support SystemsGoal: to support groupworkIncrease benefits / decrease losses of collaborationBased on Nominal Group TechniqueDelphi MethodElectronic Meeting System (EMS)

Important FeaturesParallelismAnonymity

Lead to process gains and task gains

GSS Process GainsParallel information processing / flowLarger groups can participateRapid computer discussionsQuiet people can participate equallyNoisy people cant strongly drive meetingSaves travel time (millions $ / year)

GSS Process LossesFree-ridingFlaming

GSS TechnologiesDecision roomMultiple use facilityWeb-based

The Decision (Electronic Meeting) Room 12 to 30 networked personal computersUsually recessed Server PC Large-screen projection systemBreakout roomsNeed a Trained Facilitator for Success

Cool RoomsSource: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ, www.groupsystems.comUS Air Force

Cool RoomsIBM Corp.Source: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ, www.groupsystems.com

Cool RoomsMurraysville School District BusSource: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ, www.groupsystems.com

Few OrganizationsUse Decision RoomsHigh CostNeed for a Trained FacilitatorSoftware Support for Cooperative Tasks, NOT Conflict IssuesInfrequent UseDifferent Place / Different Time NeedsMay Need More Than One

Other TechnologiesMultiple Use FacilityCheaperStill need a facilitatorWeb-basedCheaper: no extra hardware neededStill need facilitator

GroupSystemsFrom Groupsystems.com, Tucson, AZ

Comprehensive groupwareWindows & Web versionsLeading software

GroupSystems ActivitiesAgendaElectronic BrainstormingGroup OutlinerTopic CommenterCategorizerVote

Others

GSS Meeting ProcessIdea generationIdea organizationPrioritizingIdea generation

Iterate until solution is reached

Why GSS?SuccessfulNeedOrganizational commitmentExecutive sponsorOperating sponsorUser-seductive interfaceDedicated well-trained facilitatorGood planning

Distance Learning (DL)Nontraditional classroomCSCW / GSS / GroupwareRequires technologyNot newEffectiveGrowing fastCorporate, too

DL AdvantagesJust as effective or moreFlexible timeStudent can keep jobStudent can travel in jobAccess anywhere / anytimeCan present new technology cheaplyCan focus on specific skillsCan cost lessExpand classroom size easily

More DL AdvantagesAdd breadth and depth to courseMore one-on-one interaction with instructor (e-mail)Student/faculty contact time increasesFor continuous learnersAttendance is flexible (Careful!)Discussion technologiesStudent attitudes evolve and improveImpacts (scores) are higher

DL DisadvantagesFewer social interactionsLess or no on-campus interactionCommunications problemsStudents MUST be highly motivatedStudents MUST be highly disciplinedStudents MUST have effective time management skillsStudents MUST be extremely dedicated

More DL DisadvantagesTakes more faculty and staff timeLearner must be more responsibleStudents MUST work hard!

Others

Distance Learning CoursewareLotus NotesMicrosoft NetMeetingNovell GroupWise

Learning Space (Lotus Notes)WebCTLearnLinc Virtual Classroom

Creativity and Idea Generation

Creativity: Generally a human traitCreativity and innovation

Can create tremendous impacts in organizations

Idea GenerationElectronic BrainstormingCan be simulatedCan adjust methods

Create more ideas (information overload)

Cognitive maps - useful

CreativitySoftware that exhibits creativity

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

Creativity Software AlternativesCoBrain

Software that Facilitates Human CreativityProject KickStartThoughtPathCreative WhackPackIdeaFisher

GSS and Collaborative Computing Issues and ResearchGSS/EMS methodsWeb groupwareDistance learningVirtual organization

DeSanctis & Gallupe, 1987 FrameworkDennis, et al, 1988 Framework Pinsonneault and Kraemer, 1989 Framework Nunamaker et al, 1991 Framework Fjermestad 1998 Framework GSS Frameworks

DeSanctis, G. and Gallupe, R. B., (1987), AFoundation for the Study of Group Decision Support Systems, Management Science, 33, 3, 589-609

GSS Technologies

Organizational commitmentExecutive SponsorOperating sponsorDedicated facilitySite visitsLiaisonsResponsiveness- Use prototypingTrainingCost-benefit analysisSoftware flexibilityManaging Expectations

GSS Success Factors (Implementation)