Implementing Groupware Systems

A groupware is computer software that is devised to help people who engage in doing the same task to reach their goals. Individuals may not be in the same locality, but they are connected by the Internet.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Implementing Groupware Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Data is accessed remotely, which is retrieved and modified by distributed workgroups, and this creates collaborative workgroups. This paper focuses on the most important things to do in the implementation of a groupware in an organization: these include collaboration through communication, process analysis and justification, and training and people involvement. Hills (2008) argues that groupware balances communication and conversation. Communication between the group members is essential because it allows transfer of ideas from one person in a different locality to another; information can be exchanged in a well organ ized manner. When devising a groupware, it is important to build both formal and informal communication channels. Groupware helps to make communication easy, clearer, and faster. This technology makes communication possible even to the places that it would not be possible. It enables telecommuting where people are able to save travel costs and consolidate different ideas in discussions and expertise because it enables the formation of groups with the same interest, and with different outlooks on problem solving rather than meeting face to face (Bruce, 2008). Additionally, groupware supports the people that make a team, especially in decision making process. Teams are composed of members from different countries and continents and some even use different languages. Brainstorming is important because it facilitates exchange of ideas. Groupware also supports multi user editing of documents with white boards and chats, and collaborative media software also allows simultaneous users to m ake and build information in a website. Similarly, Strom (n.d) affirms that process analysis and justification of change is also important when designing a groupware. This is because these processes should be designed with the goal of supporting system usage and improving the processes, the costs involved and plans are laid down to meet the goals and objectives of an organization (Miller, n.d). All the group members should be able to understand that the new system is meant to improve their work. In designing of the system, users evaluate the system model in real work practice so that further developments can be made according to users experience or further needs. Cooperation of the group members is essential because they are the end users.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Groupware will be successful only when employees agree to use it. This may sometimes fail because employe rs may use them to downsize or to replace employees, and those who remain may fear job loss and become insecure. The organization should make the employee to understand that the implementation of the groupware is meant to help them. The concept of sharing is important and it is essential to train people because some may resist. This resistance may come from some individuals in departments that store information, and they think that it gives them power because they fear to lose their status. However, people are comfortable doing things as they have been doing and it takes time for the system designers to make them accept because they see it as disruption from the normal to the worse. Before the implementation of the system, the concerns of those who will take part should be considered. People should be involved from the beginning to the end. This can only be achieved by building teams and collaborative cultures. This helps people to get to know one another even before they start work ing as a group. It involves change from the old culture to a new one, which supports collaboration; the organization should make sure that employees feel secure working as a group. Furthermore, good communication is essential in the process of groupware implementation. When people are helped throughout the change process they see the need to have a new system. This is achieved by training the employees and also having specialized training programs to cater for each users needs, thus making them understand how groupware improves their work (Hills, 2005). After the implementation, the groupware system is tested and pilot runs are done to determine whether it is working properly. Users use it to identify any challenges or difficulties for further improvements. If the system is approved, the group members immediately start using it. Training continues until the users get contented with the new system. In conclusion, organizations should consider how groupware adds value to business proc esses, and think about implementing it. This can be successful when the organization is aware of the existing system, cultures, norms and what people think about sharing. By understanding all these, conflicts are avoided. Organization performance gets better with less time in marketing because one advantage of groupware is the ability to cut down on time for meetings and decision making to allow more time on satisfying customer needs and hence, increasing customer satisfaction and putting the organization into a competitive edge.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Implementing Groupware Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Bruce, H. (2008). Groupware Collaboration. New York: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. Hills, H. (2005). What’s so hard about Groupware? Networking Computers is easy Compared to Networking People.  Ã‚  Intranet Journal.  Ã‚  Web. Miller, J. (2005). Groupware: What Works the Way Businesses Do?  Ã‚  Buzzle.com. Web. Strom, D. (n.d). Groupware: Ready or Not. Retrieved from http://www.strom.com/pubwork/jf95.html This essay on Implementing Groupware Systems was written and submitted by user Nia Murray to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

10 Tips for Using Research Note Cards

10 Tips for Using Research Note Cards Many teachers require students to use note cards to collect information for their first big term paper assignment. While this practice may seem old fashioned and out of date, it is actually still the best method for collecting research.   You will use research note cards to collect all the information necessary to write your term paperwhich includes the details you need for your bibliography notes. You should take extreme care as you create these note cards, because any time you leave out a single detail, you are creating  more work for yourself. You will have to visit each source again if you leave out essential information the first time around. Remember that citing every source completely and correctly is critical for success. If you dont cite a source, you are guilty of plagiarism! These tips will help you collect research and write  a successful paper. Start with a fresh pack of research note cards. Large, lined cards are probably best, especially if you want to make your own detailed personal notes. Also, consider color coding your cards by topic to keep your paper organized from the start.Devote an entire note card to each idea or note. Dont try to fit two sources (quotes and notes) on one card. No sharing space!Gather more than you need. Use the library and the Internet to find potential sources for your research paper. You should continue to research until you have quite a few potential sources- about three times as many as your teacher recommends.Narrow down your sources. As you read your potential sources, you will find that some are helpful, others are not, and some will repeat the same information you already have. This is how you narrow your list down to include the most solid sources.Record as you go. From each source, write down any notes or quotes that could be useful in your paper. As you take notes, try to paraphras e all the information. This reduces the chances of committing accidental plagiarism. Include everything. For each note you will need to record authors name, the title of reference (book, article, interview, etc.), reference publication information, to include publisher, date, place, year, issue, volume, page number, and your own personal comments.Create your own system and stick to it. For instance, you may want to pre-mark each card with spaces for each category, just to make sure you dont leave anything out.Be exact. If at any time you write down information word for word (to be used as a quote), be sure to include all punctuation marks, capitalizations, and breaks exactly as they appear in the source. Before you leave any source, double-check your notes for accuracy.If you think it might be useful, write it down. Dont ever, ever pass over information because youre just not sure whether it will be useful! This is a very common and costly mistake in research. More often than not, you find that the passed-over tidbit is critical to your paper, and then theres a go od chance  you wont find it again. Avoid using abbreviations and code words as you record notes - especially if you plan to quote. Your own writing can look completely foreign to you later. Its true! You may not be able to understand your own clever codes after a day or two, either.