1. Collaborative Computing Technologies: Group Support Systems
CHAPTER 7
Collaborative Computing Technologies:
Group Support Systems

2. 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

3. 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
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

4. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Solution
Lotus Notes Application
Extended Enterprise System
Incentives for suppliers to contribute
Vendor relationship system
Provides a competitive advantage
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

5. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
SCORE Benefits
Enhanced relationships with suppliers
Better-quality purchasing practices
Better quality product
Lower costs (in 2000: $2 billion)
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

6. Groupwork Characteristics
Group performs a task
Different places
Different times
Same or different organizations
Permanent or temporary
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

8. Anytime / Anyplace Collaboration
Enabled by Web
Low cost PCs
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

10. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Groupware
To support groupwork / meetings …
Computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW)
Software that provides collaborative support to groups
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

11. Communication Support
Vital
Needed for collaboration
Modern information technologies provide inexpensive, fast, capable, reliable means of supporting communication
Internet / Web
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

12. Supporting Communication
Word of mouth
Delivery persons
Horseback
Snailmail
Telegraph
Telephone
Radio
Television
Videoconferencing
Internet / Web
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

13. Nonverbal Communication
Important issue
Not captured by most communication systems
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

14. Supporting Collaboration (CSCW)
People work together
Group Support Systems (GSS)
Groupware:
Electronic meeting systems
Electronic conferencing systems
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

15. A Time/Place Framework
Same Time / Same Place
Decision Room
Same Time / Different Place
Video Conference
Different Time / Same Place
via Internet
Different Time / Different Place
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

16. Time/Place Communication Framework
Same Time
Different Time
GSS in a Decision Room
Web-based GSS
Multimedia Presentation Systems
Whiteboard
Document sharing
GSS in a Decision Room
Web-based GSS
Workflow management system
Document sharing
, Vmail
Same
Place
Web-based GSS
Whiteboard
, Vmail
Workflow management system
Document sharing
Computer conferencing with memory
Web-based GSS
Whiteboard
Document sharing
Videoconferencing
Audioconferencing
Computer conferencing
, Vmail
Different
Place
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

17. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Groupware
Lotus Notes / Domino Server
Includes Learning Space
Netscape Collabra Server
Microsoft NetMeeting
Novell Groupwise
GroupSystems
TCBWorks
WebEx
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

18. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Group Support Systems
Goal: to support groupwork
Increase benefits / decrease losses of collaboration
Based on
Nominal Group Technique
Delphi Method
Electronic Meeting System (EMS)
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

19. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Important Features
Parallelism
Anonymity
Lead to process gains and task gains
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

21. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
GSS Process Losses
Free-riding
Flaming
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

22. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
GSS Technologies
Decision room
Multiple use facility
Web-based
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

23. 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
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

24. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Cool Rooms
US Air Force
Source: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ,
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

25. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Cool Rooms
IBM Corp.
Source: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ,
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

26. Murraysville School District Bus
Cool Rooms
Murraysville School District Bus
Source: Groupsystem.com, Tuscon, AZ,
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

28. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Other Technologies
Multiple Use Facility
Cheaper
Still need a facilitator
Web-based
Cheaper: no extra hardware needed
Still need facilitator
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

29. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
GroupSystems
From Groupsystems.com, Tucson, AZ
Comprehensive groupware
Windows & Web versions
Leading software
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

30. GroupSystems Activities
Agenda
Electronic Brainstorming
Group Outliner
Topic Commenter
Categorizer
Vote
Others
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

31. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
GSS Meeting Process
Idea generation
Idea organization
Prioritizing
Iterate until solution is reached
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

32. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Why GSS?
Successful
Need
Organizational commitment
Executive sponsor
Operating sponsor
User-seductive interface
Dedicated well-trained facilitator
Good planning
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

33. Distance Learning (DL)
Nontraditional classroom
CSCW / GSS / Groupware
Requires technology
Not new
Effective
Growing fast
Corporate, too
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

35. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
More DL Advantages
Add breadth and depth to course
More one-on-one interaction with instructor ( )
Student/faculty contact time increases
For continuous learners
Attendance is flexible (Careful!)
Discussion technologies
Student attitudes evolve and improve
Impacts (scores) are higher
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

37. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
More DL Disadvantages
Takes more faculty and staff time
Learner must be more responsible
Students MUST work hard!
Others …
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

38. Distance Learning Courseware
Lotus Notes
Microsoft NetMeeting
Novell GroupWise
Learning Space (Lotus Notes)
WebCT
LearnLinc Virtual Classroom
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

39. Creativity and Idea Generation
Creativity: Generally a human trait
Creativity and innovation
Can create tremendous impacts in organizations
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

40. Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Idea Generation
Electronic Brainstorming
Can be simulated
Can adjust methods
Create more ideas (information overload)
Cognitive maps - useful
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

41. Software that exhibits creativity
Intelligent agents (softbots)
Copycat (creates analogies)
AARON (creates painted art)
Genjam (writes jazz music)
Kurzweil’s Cybernetic Poet (writes poems)
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

43. Software that Facilitates Human Creativity
Project KickStart
ThoughtPath
Creative WhackPack
IdeaFisher
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

44. GSS and Collaborative Computing Issues and Research
GSS/EMS methods
Web groupware
Distance learning
Virtual organization
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson, 6th edition.
Copyright 2001, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ