MBA 660 - Fall '96

Group Support Systems

Instructor: Kregg Aytes

Office: BA 332

Phone: 236-3357

Email: aytekreg@isu.edu

Office Hours:T-Th 9:30-11:00 and by appointment

Note: This syllabus is available through the World Wide Web at http://www.isu.edu/~aytekreg/660/660syl.htm

Textbook: Groupware Technology and Applications, by Coleman and Khanna

This course is a survey of computer-based technologies designed to support group activities and the group dynamics involved in the use of those technologies. The class will be designed to accommodate a wide variety of levels of computer knowledge; although familiarity with computers will be beneficial, it is not mandatory.

Table of Contents

[Course Objectives] [Evaluation and Feedback] [Course Schedule] [Assignments] [Web Groupware Links]

Course Objectives

This course will build the following knowledge, skills, and abilities in the student:

Knowledge

1. Understand groupware technologies
   • how base technologies work
   • typical applications
   • typical benefits
2. Understand group processes and group development issues
3. Understand how group processes are affected by technology
4. Understand strategies for successful implementation

Skills/Abilities

1. Understand the base technologies of groupware well enough to tell when particular system designs are feasible in a certain situation.
2. Be able to explain capabilities of different types of systems.
3. Make effective use of some groupware applications.
4. Recognize when groupware might be appropriate, and choose technologies appropriate to the situation.
5. Make recommendations for effective use of a particular system (at the organization, group, and personal level).
6. Develop an implementation plan that addresses possible obstacles and means of overcoming the obstacles.
7. Be able to effectively utilize resources in discovering information about groupware.

Evaluation and Feedback

The vast majority of what you learn in this class will come from reading, discussing with your classmates, and exploring on your own. I will seldom lecture in class. I will, however, pose questions to the class on a regular basis. We will discuss these questions and issues both during class time and between classes, using email and other computer support. You will be evaluated on your contribution and participation to these discussions, and I will provide you feedback on how you can improve your contributions. In addition, you will be evaluated on two exams, two software evaluations, and a group project. More details on the assignments can be found in the assignments page. The course grade will be allocated between the various portions of the course as follows:

• participation in electronic discussions 15%
• in-class participation 15%
• software evaluations 2 @ 5% each
• midterm exam 20%
• project 30%
• final exam 10%

Participation grades and project grades will be partially determined by peer evaluation. I am looking for quality discussions marked by evidence that you are thinking deeply about the issues. In your comments, I will look for the following:

• insight
• did comment relate to:
  • another student's comment?
  • a previous reading?
  • a previous discussion?
  • personal experience?
• did you attempt to draw others into the discussion?

Assignments

Information on assignments, including due dates and requirements, will become available during the semester. If you are looking at this document online, go to http://www.isu.edu/~aytekreg/660/660assgn.htm to see the details as they become available.