Working with groups using groupware: electronic problem structuring and project management support for face to face and dispersed organisational groups

This paper uses experiences gained from working with both senior and middle managers in organisations to describe a number of ‘observations’ identified concerning the impact technology has upon groups using Groupware in a face to face environment. These observations along with two case studies describing different instances of dispersed group working (one focusing on electronic problem structuring, the other project management support) are then considered alongside the impact dispersed working has on facilitating groups using Groupware. Both the observations and the facilitation discussion focusing on providing facilitation to dispersed groups are aimed at providing researchers and users with insights into some of the potential difficulties experienced when implementing groupware systems.

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