CHAPTER 15

15.1 Identify the different ways in which companies collaborate using technology.

Ø  Companies must be able to collaborate. Without collaboration companies simply would have a very difficult time operating. Companies collaborate in a number of ways including document exchange, shared whiteboards, discussion forums, and email.

15.2  Compare the different categories of collaboration technologies.
          Collaboration technologies fall into one of two categories:

1. Unstructured collaboration (sometimes referred to as information collaboration) includes document ex¬change, shared whiteboards, discussion forums, and email.
2. Structured collaboration (or process collaboration) involves shared participation in business processes such as workflow in which knowledge is hardcoded as rules.

15.3 Define the fundamental concepts of a knowledge management system.

Ø  Knowledge management involves capturing, classifying, evaluating, retrieving, and sharing information assets in a way that provides context for effective decisions and actions.

15.4 Provide an example of a content management system along with its business purpose.

Ø  A content management system (CMS) provides tools to manage the creation, storage, editing, and publication of information in a collaborative environment. The CMS marketplace is complex, incorporating document management, collaboration and versioning tools, digital asset management, and web content management. One example is www.vignette.com.

15.5 Evaluate the advantages of using a workflow management system.

Ø  Many workflow management systems allow the opportunity to measure and analyze the execution of a process. Workflow systems integrate with other organizational systems, such as document management systems and database management systems.

15.6 Explain how Groupware can benefit a business.

Ø  Groupware is software that supports team interaction and dynamics including calendaring, scheduling, and videoconferencing. Organizations can use this technology to communicate, cooperate, coordinate, solve problems, compete, or negotiate