Upward influence tactics in virtual work settings

The globalization of work within organizations has generated a greater need for all type of workers to exert interpersonal influence through technology-mediated communication tools. This paper contributes to the analysis of interpersonal relations in virtual environments from a specific perspective: the choice of upward influence tactics. We propose that virtualwork settings may impact the upward influence tactic selected, as well as thecommunication medium used to enact it. In particular, we study whether the types of upward influence strategies found in presence environments, are relevant in a virtual work context. This research also analyzes the link between communication media and influence tactics used. Preliminary results suggest that there is an influence tactic that is specific of virtual work relations, which may be called intermediation and consists of finding an intermediary that is well connected with the target and can help in defining the best approach by the agent.

Impacto de la interactividad de un entorno virtual, en el fomento del aprendizaje colaborativo en la Universidad Santiago de Cali

En este estudio se analiza el impacto de la interactividad de un entorno virtual, el fomento del aprendizaje colaborativo de un grupo conformado por diez y seis (N=16) estudiantes del segundo semestre del programa de Ingeniería Industrial de la universidad Santiago de Cali. Se planteó como objetivo, establecer un foro virtual con una actividad de aprendizaje colaborativo, basada en un problema a resolver como tarea conjunta.La experiencia se desarrolló mediante un diseño de tipo exploratorio y descriptivo, enfocado en recolectar y analizar información que permitió comprender y valorar el impacto de la interactividad en el aprendizaje colaborativo de los estudiantes. Con el estudio, se apertura un espacio de discusión en torno al impacto real de las interacciones en el fomento del aprendizaje, durante la realización de tareas colaborativas de los estudiantes, utilizando el foro virtual como herramienta de apoyo.

The nature and role of trust in temporary virtual problem-solving teams

The objective of this study is to increase understanding of the nature and role of trust in temporary virtual problem-solving teams engaged in real-life co-creation activities, while much of previous research has been conducted in student settings. The different forms and bases of trust, possible trust barriers and trust building actions, and perceived role of trust in knowledge sharing and collaboration are analyzed. The study is conducted as a qualitative case study in case company. Data includes interviews from 24 people: 13 from 3 different project teams that were going on during the study, 8 from already finalized project teams, and 3 founders of case company. Additional data consists of communication archives from three current teams. The results indicate that there were both knowledge-based and swift trust present, former being based on work-related personal experiences about leaders or other team members, and latter especially on references, disposition to trust and institution-based factors such as norms and rules, as well as leader and expert action. The findings suggest that possible barriers of trust might be related to lack of adaptation to virtual work, unclear roles and safety issues, and nature of virtual communication. Actions that could be applied to enhance trust are for example active behavior in discussions, work-related introductions communicating competence, managerial actions and face-to-face interaction. Finally, results also suggest that trust has a focal role as an enabler of action and knowledge sharing, and coordinator of effective collaboration and performance in temporary virtual problem-solving teams.

Collaborative virtual environment for advanced computing

Synchronous collaborative systems allow geographically distributed participants to form a virtual work environment enabling cooperation between peers and enriching the human interaction. The technology facilitating this interaction has been studied for several years and various solutions can be found at present. In this paper, we discuss our experiences with one such widely adopted technology, namely the Access Grid. We describe our experiences with using this technology, identify key problem areas and propose our solution to tackle these issues appropriately. Moreover, we propose the integration of Access Grid with an Application Sharing tool, developed by the authors. Our approach allows these integrated tools to utilise the enhanced features provided by our underlying dynamic transport layer.

Um esboço da história do conceito de trabalho virtual e suas aplicações

Neste trabalho abordamos a questão concernente à origem do princípio de trabalho virtual e sua consolidação como um dos conceitos fundamentais no estudo da mecânica analítica e, em particular, dos sistemas em equilíbrio estático. Ênfase foi dada às contribuições seminais de Stevin, Galileu e, sobretudo, as de d'Alembert e Lagrange, no tocante ao conceito de trabalho virtual. Além disso, faz-se um comentário geral sobre vínculos holônomos e deslocamento virtual. Alguns exemplos de emprego da equação de d'Alembert-Lagrange são apresentados, para mostrar como o princípio de trabalho virtual pode ser adequadamente aplicado.

Invisible, therefore isolated: comparative effects of team virtuality with task virtuality on workplace isolation and work outcomes

The new standards of technological and flexible arrangements have made virtual work prevalent for almost everyone in all levels of an organization. Whether in a virtual or traditional setting, current working conditions allow anyone to collaborate, work and interact with others through electronic means of communication, thereby creating a lack of face-to-face contact. Even though the dynamics of virtuality have been widely elaborated at the team level, there are still many unknowns about the impacts of virtuality experienced at an individual level. This paper aims to shed light on the relationship between workplace social isolation, job satisfaction, perceived performance and turnover intention comparing individual responses to team virtuality and task virtuality. Our findings propose that there are statistically significant relations between individual task virtuality, workplace social isolation, satisfaction, perceived performance and turnover intention in organizations. The results also reveal that task virtuality is a better predictor than team virtuality in estimating workplace social isolation and turnover intention.

A director theory for visco-elastic folding instabilities in multilayered rock

A model for finely layered visco-elastic rock proposed by us in previous papers is revisited and generalized to include couple stresses. We begin with an outline of the governing equations for the standard continuum case and apply a computational simulation scheme suitable for problems involving very large deformations. We then consider buckling instabilities in a finite, rectangular domain. Embedded within this domain, parallel to the longer dimension we consider a stiff, layered beam under compression. We analyse folding up to 40% shortening. The standard continuum solution becomes unstable for extreme values of the shear/normal viscosity ratio. The instability is a consequence of the neglect of the bending stiffness/viscosity in the standard continuum model. We suggest considering these effects within the framework of a couple stress theory. Couple stress theories involve second order spatial derivatives of the velocities/displacements in the virtual work principle. To avoid C-1 continuity in the finite element formulation we introduce the spin of the cross sections of the individual layers as an independent variable and enforce equality to the spin of the unit normal vector to the layers (-the director of the layer system-) by means of a penalty method. We illustrate the convergence of the penalty method by means of numerical solutions of simple shears of an infinite layer for increasing values of the penalty parameter. For the shear problem we present solutions assuming that the internal layering is oriented orthogonal to the surfaces of the shear layer initially. For high values of the ratio of the normal-to the shear viscosity the deformation concentrates in thin bands around to the layer surfaces. The effect of couple stresses on the evolution of folds in layered structures is also investigated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aplicacions web per al treball col·laboratiu : disseny i prototipatge d'un sistema d'esdeveniments per a mòbils en el treball en grup

Projecte de fi de carrera del 2n cicle de la Eng. Informàtica, realitzat per Jose Roig Torres (01/2012). Aplicacions Web per Treball Col·laboratiu: Disseny i Prototipatge d'un sistema d'esdeveniments per mòbils en el treball en grup.

Anàlisis, disseny i implementació d'un sistema de treball col·laboratiu

Anàlisis, disseny i implementació d'un sistema de treball col·laboratiu (groupware) que permeti gestionar el coneixement al Departament de Sistemes d'Informació i Comunicacions de l'Ajuntament de Viladecans. De la valoració de les diferents eines de programari lliure, s'ha optat per Zimbra Collaboration Suite per a implementar el prototip.

El Open Social Learning y su potencial de transformación de los contextos de educación superior en España

Documento de reflexión basado en el Panel de Expertos sobre Open Social Learning en España: diagnóstico yperspectivas, de la Cátedra UNESCO de e-learning, 30 de junio 2009.

Las comunidades virtuales académicas y científicas españolas : el caso de RedIris

Les comunitats virtuals d'usuaris (o CVU) han esdevingut una plataforma òptima per al treball cooperatiu i la investigació col·laborativa. El present treball descriu el desenvolupament de les CVUs acadèmiques i científiques espanyoles de RedIris a partir de la seva oferta d'eines i serveis d'informació. Els resultats mostren una gran dependència de les llistes de distribució i, en general, una infrautilització de les CVUs i dels seus serveis.

Aplicación web para gestión de incidencias en un departamento de informática

Prototipo aplicación web para trabajo colaborativo que sirve para la gestión de incidencias en un departamento de informática, con gestión de usuarios, grupos de usuarios, incidencias y base de datos de conocimiento.

Aplicaciones web para trabajo colaborativo : aplicación para control de una integración de S.I.

Con la realización del presente proyecto intentaremos realizar una herramienta no propietaria que nos permita llevar el control de una integración de un S.I. dentro de un ambiente colaborativo.

Working in a digital world: new leadership practices for the development of a digital library workforce

Digital library developments are part of a global move in many sectors of society toward virtual work and electronic services made possible by the advances in information technology. This environment requires new attitudes and skills in the workforce and therefore leaders who understand the global changes underlying the new information economy and how to lead and develop such a workforce. This article explores ways to develop human resources and stimulate creativity to capitalize on the immense potential of digital libraries to educate and empower social change. There is a shortage of technically skilled workers and even more so of innovators. Retention and recruitment is one of the greatest obstacles to developing digital library services and information products.