Chapter 7: Collaboration Information Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on collaboration and project management.

Collaboration

People working together to achieve a common goal; requires feedback and iteration to improve outcomes.

Feedback and iteration

The process of giving feedback and revising work to refine solutions and performance.

Groupthink

The tendency for a cohesive group to suppress dissent and unpopular ideas in pursuit of harmony.

Constructive criticism

Specific, actionable feedback that suggests improvements and avoids personal attacks.

Effective collaborator

A person who is enthusiastic, open-minded, timely in communication, willing to engage in difficult conversations, and good at listening and giving/receiving feedback.

Unstructured collaboration

Collaboration lacking formal processes or predefined structure.

Structured collaboration

Collaboration with defined processes, roles, and governance to coordinate work.

Become informed

A collaboration purpose: share data, interpret information, and develop shared understanding.

Make decisions

A collaboration purpose: use group input to choose courses of action.

Solve problems

A collaboration purpose: define problems, generate solutions, evaluate and select options.

Manage projects

A collaboration purpose: coordinate tasks, schedules, and resources to complete a project.

Triple constraint

The three major project constraints: time, cost, and scope; changing one affects the others.

Gantt chart

A bar chart illustrating the project schedule and task timelines.

PERT chart

A diagram mapping tasks and dependencies to estimate timelines.

Collaboration Information System

A system that supports collaboration and project management (e.g., Microsoft Teams).

Synchronous collaboration

Real-time collaboration occurring at the same time (e.g., meetings, videoconferencing).

Asynchronous collaboration

Collaboration where participants engage at different times (e.g., email, forums).

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups with an interest in the project; their agendas matter.

Start phase

Initial tasks to set authority, scope, form the team, and establish rules.

Planning phase

Tasks to determine tasks, dependencies, assign tasks, set schedule, and revise budget.

Doing phase

Execution of tasks, progress tracking, budget management, and problem solving.

Finalizing phase

Completing the project and preparing archival documents; disbanding the team.

Be specific

Provide precise, concrete feedback about what is confusing and how to improve.

Do not dominate

Ensure others have equal time to contribute; share the discussion.

Positive goals

Frame feedback to achieve constructive outcomes and future improvements.

Criteria for successful collaboration

The three criteria: a successful outcome, growth in team capability, and a meaningful/satisfying collaborative experience.