20-04-2015, 05:26 PM
Virtual Meetings: Smart Management
This is just my opinions—no research as yet. Waheed Nawaz
Question 1
This is a yes and no. In the immediate future—no.
Australian bandwidth is not adequate in the majority of country areas which still rely on slow broadband, wireless, satellite, dial-up. By this I am talking about the quality necessary for real face-to-face communication. I think the poor audio and video performance (delays) stated in the case study still exist, making the video conference experience less than ideal. I don’t know if the NBN will improve this, but I believe that this is still the major obstacle to videoconferencing still not taking off.
Cost is prohibitive for the majority of businesses, and possibly outweighing any cost advantage of reduced travel.
If extinct means never, then no, it won’t replace face-to-face meetings. This is still fundamental to business operations. A face-to-face meeting at some stage will still be desirable and probably necessary
Web conferencing, using webcams, still have a place in providing a video contact option, if you are prepared to accept any lower quality that you may experience.
If you can access another companies’ high quality videoconferencing equipment (rent the access time) then this may provide an alternative. There may be an argument for community based videoconferencing equipment.
Question 2
Telepresence is videoconferencing technology that makes you feel as though you are actually there. It is typified by the provision of high-definition images. Telepresence, by its very nature, would require the latest technology to work effectively.
Question 3
How videoconferencing provides value to a business:
A face-to-face experience rather than an auditory one (phone/teleconference). Therefore you have all the clues from nonverbal communication.
Time factor. Videoconferencing saves so much time. This to me this is the big plus.
Cost factor—reduction in travel costs.
Environmental pluses—air travel/vehicle use reduced—reduction in carbon footprint.
Provides a more customer service focus. Being able to offer the option of video makes the contact more personal.
Question 4
Implementing videoconferencing for a small business/factors to consider:
The size of the business
The needs of the business—do they really need it? What would they use videoconferencing for? This is paramount to the decision.
Cost
Technology knowledge of the users. If it’s too hard to do, it won’t be used.
Question 5
Steps to prepare for web conference as opposed to face-to-face:
Consider environment—noise, glare
Know how to use the system well
Before the conference, narrow the focus in on you rather than a wide shot so your audience can see you clearly (unfortunately, the camera does add 20 kgs)
Remember to use the mute button