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Abstract:
Previous research has indicated that the creative task of deciding upon the initial specifications for a software system can benefit from a structured process to guide group interaction in face-to-face meetings, and can benefit from computer support. This 2×2 experiment is the first to look at the joint effects of a distributed asynchronous computer conferencing mode of communication (CC, as compared with face-to-face), and a structured process, on software design outcomes. Subjects were teams of graduate students in computer science and business, who designed an automated post office as a course assignment. The quality of solution produced by the CC groups was judged to be marginally higher, while CC groups were rated as considerably more creative. There were no main effects for the structured/unstructured factor, or any significant interactions.
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Notes on contributors
Rosalie Ocker
Rosalie Ocker is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at Penn State University, Harrisburg. She received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in computer and information science. Dr. Ocker was previously employed by Arthur Andersen & Co. She has published articles in the Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on Systems Science and the Proceedings of the Conference on Decision Sciences. Her research interests include computer-mediated communication and distributed group support systems, group creativity and innovation, and the communication process within software development.
Starr Roxanne Hiltz
Starr Roxanne Hiltz is Distinguished Professor of Computer and Information Science at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark. She is also a member of the faculty of the Graduate School of Business, Rutgers University. She received her Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University. Her recent research interests have centered on the applications and impacts of computer-mediated communication systems, including applications in education and group decision support. Her articles have appeared in Communications of the ACM, Management Science, Human Communications Research, the American Journal of Sociology, and many other journals. Recent books include a revised edition of The Network Nation with M. Turoff and The Virtual Classroom: Learning without Limits via Computer Networks.
Murray Turoff
Murray Turoff is Distinguished Professor of the Computer and Information Science Department and the School of Industrial Management at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. in physics from Brandeis University. Previously, he was employed by the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Executive Offices of the President, and by IBM. His interests are in research and development associated with the utilization of the computer to facilitate human group communication and decision making. Among his publications are articles in Communications of the ACM, the Journal of Organizational Computing, Telecommunications Policy, and IEEE Spectrum. Recent books include Learning Networks: A Field Guide to Teaching and Learning Online (coauthored with Linda Harasim, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, and Lucio Teles).
Jerry Fjermestad
Jerry Fjermestad is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems in the School of Industrial Management at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in management information systems. Dr. Fjermestad has published several articles in the Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on Systems Science, Technology Analysis and Strategic Management and Group Decision and Negotiation. His current teaching and research interests are in the area of computer-mediated communication, management information systems, executive information systems, and object-oriented business reengineering.
