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Chapter 2 Collaboration Information Systems
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SharePoint task lists provide features and functions that are far superior to the spreadsheet
shown in Figure 2-21. Again, if you can obtain access to SharePoint, you should strongly consider
using it, a possibility we address in the next question.

Q2-8 Which Collaboration IS Is Right for Your Team?

Your MIS class will help you gain knowledge and skills that you’ll use throughout your busi-
ness career. But why wait? You can benefit from this knowledge right now and put it to use
tonight. Most business courses involve a team project; why not use what you’ve learned to
construct a collaboration IS that will make teamwork easier and can help your team achieve
a better product? In this question, we will define and set up your evaluation of three sets of
collaboration tools.

Three Sets of Collaboration Tools

Figure 2-25 summarizes three different sets of collaboration tools that you might use.

The Minimal Collaboration Tool Set
The first, the Minimal set, has the minimum possible set of tools and is shown in the second
column of Figure 2-25. With this set, you should be able to collaborate with your team,
though you will get little support from the software. In particular, you will need to manage
concurrent access by setting up procedures and agreements to ensure that one user’s work
doesn’t conflict with another’s. Your collaboration will be with text only; you will not have
access to audio or video so you cannot hear or see your collaborators. You also will not be able
to view documents or whiteboards during your meeting. This set is probably close to what
you’re already doing.

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