03-09-2012, 03:45 PM
Group Support Systems
[attachment=33229]
Definition of Groupware
Groupware is technology designed to facilitate the work of groups. This technology may be used to communicate, cooperate, coordinate, solve problems, compete, or negotiate.
While traditional technologies like the telephone qualify as groupware, the term is ordinarily used to refer to a specific class of technologies relying on modern computer networks, such as email, newsgroups, videophones, or chat.
Study of meetings
Purported purpose is completed only 50% of the time
¼ of meeting participants complain they waste between 11 and 25% of the time discussing irrelevant issues
1/3 feel pressured to publicly espouse opinions with which they privately disagree
63% feel that underlying issues outside the scope of the official agenda are the subjects under discussion
Why use groupware
To facilitate communication: faster, clearer, more persuasive
Enable communication where it wouldn’t otherwise be possible
Telecommuting
Cut down on travel costs
Bring together multiple perspectives and expertise
Knowledge management
More advantages
Form groups with common interests where it wouldn’t be possible to gather a sufficient number of people face-to-face
Save time and cost in coordinating group work
Facilitate group problem-solving
Enable new modes of communication, such as anonymous interchanges or structured interactions
Saves meeting time
Leveraging professional expertise
Groupware Design
Understanding groups and how people behave in groups
Good understanding of networking technology and how aspects of that technology affect user’s experience
Traditional user interface design
Focus on purpose
Office automation and productivity
Group project management
Publications coordination and routing
Meeting facilitation
[attachment=33229]
Definition of Groupware
Groupware is technology designed to facilitate the work of groups. This technology may be used to communicate, cooperate, coordinate, solve problems, compete, or negotiate.
While traditional technologies like the telephone qualify as groupware, the term is ordinarily used to refer to a specific class of technologies relying on modern computer networks, such as email, newsgroups, videophones, or chat.
Study of meetings
Purported purpose is completed only 50% of the time
¼ of meeting participants complain they waste between 11 and 25% of the time discussing irrelevant issues
1/3 feel pressured to publicly espouse opinions with which they privately disagree
63% feel that underlying issues outside the scope of the official agenda are the subjects under discussion
Why use groupware
To facilitate communication: faster, clearer, more persuasive
Enable communication where it wouldn’t otherwise be possible
Telecommuting
Cut down on travel costs
Bring together multiple perspectives and expertise
Knowledge management
More advantages
Form groups with common interests where it wouldn’t be possible to gather a sufficient number of people face-to-face
Save time and cost in coordinating group work
Facilitate group problem-solving
Enable new modes of communication, such as anonymous interchanges or structured interactions
Saves meeting time
Leveraging professional expertise
Groupware Design
Understanding groups and how people behave in groups
Good understanding of networking technology and how aspects of that technology affect user’s experience
Traditional user interface design
Focus on purpose
Office automation and productivity
Group project management
Publications coordination and routing
Meeting facilitation