1. 2-1 © Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Q1 – What is collaboration? Q2 – How can you use collaboration systems to improve team communication? Q3 – How can you use collaboration systems to manage content? Q4 – How can you use collaboration systems to control workflow? Q5 – How do businesses use collaboration systems for decision making? Q6 – How do businesses use collaboration systems for problem solving? Q7 – How do businesses use collaboration systems for project management?

2. 2-2 © Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Q6 – How do businesses use collaboration systems for problem solving? Problem definition  The first step in solving a problem is to define it.  A problem is a perceived difference between what is and what ought to be.  A good problem definition defines the difference between what is and what ought to be by describing both the current situation and the desired situation. WHAT IS WHAT OUGHT TO BE

3. 2-3 © Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Q6 – How do businesses use collaboration systems for problem solving? Problem solutions and solution brokering  Collaboration systems provide team members with feedback and iteration that helps them: Identify numerous solution alternatives rather than just one. Make a choice by allowing them to discuss the pros and cons of each alternative. Broker the selected solution and make necessary adjustments that benefit all parties.

4. 2-4 © Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Q6 – How do businesses use collaboration systems for problem solving? Problem solving and collaboration systems are more effective when they successfully employ the three collaborative drivers:  Communication systems that allow a regular and reliable exchange of ideas and information  Content-management systems that control document changes and revisions so everyone has the most current version  Workflow control is less important because of the nature of the unstructured decision-making process