What is Groupware?Written by Mike Nielsen
Vince Lombardi once said that, "The achievements of an organization are results of combined effort of each individual." If this is case, then what do we need to do in order to insure success in our companies? How can we combine efforts of each individual as Mr. Lombardi said was so key to success of a particular organization? While there are many possible solutions to these questions, I have found something that will help your company become more organized, and your employees more unified in their work. I am talking about groupware. What is Groupware? Groupware is software that facilitates communication between members of a network workgroup. It allows people within a company, whether they are physically in same location or in several locations all over world, to share documents, information, and data. It allows them to collaborate on ideas and projects, by allowing them to essentially work on same page at same time. With groupware there is no limit to number of people that can work on same project without creating duplicate ideas and work. Since groupware can track all document information, you will never wonder if you are using latest version of a document. What about CSCW?If you have ever heard anything about groupware, you have probably also heard of CSCW. CSCW stands for Computer Supported Cooperative Work and is study of groupware, i.e. how it is designed, developed, adopted, and used. People that are involved with study of CSCW not only include software designers and computer scientists, but also researchers and people that study organizational behavior. How does Groupware differ from Traditional User Interface? Where a traditional user interface generally focuses on use of only one person, groupware relates to groups and understanding how people work and function in a group. Groupware is also more focused on ease of use for user because system must be more responsive as pace of a particular application is generally driven by pace of conversation. Other factors, such as size of group, and roles that people play are taken into consideration when designing groupware.
| | Franchises - Success and YouWritten by Ernie Horning
Many people believe owning a franchise will make them rich, financially secure, and provide life of their dreams. True, franchises have an extremely high success rate, and a very high satisfaction rate among their owners. But is that success guaranteed when you purchase a franchise? NO!There are no guarantees in life, or in franchises. There are those occasions when franchises are not profitable, lose money, and close. Although most franchises provide a proven business system, not all OWNERS are proven. Many enter into franchise system, thinking all they have to do is come up with money to get business open, and it will run itself and they will make money. I don't how many times I have had a prospective franchisee say to me, "I want a franchise that makes a lot of money". Well, I have news for you, it's hard work. You have to WORK system provided by franchise. Many franchisees have impressive backgrounds and education, many from established positions with top companies. However, some have a difficult time doing "whatever it takes", to run business. Whether it be marketing or sales, to taking out trash and cleaning restrooms, nothing should be beneath you to keep your business operating and profitable. If you want be a franchisee, accept fact that you will have a "franchisor" guiding and directing you. They have at much at stake as you, and their reputation is on line. Remember your success is their success, so they will provide feedback, support, and direction with your business. However, some new franchisees, coming from corporate positions, may feel they don't need any direction and know best on how to run business. This can be disastrous. The better franchises have spent years developing their systems, FOLLOW THEM!.
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