Abstract: Previous research has indicated
that the creative task of deciding upon the initial specification
for a software system can benefit from a structured process to
guide group interaction in face-to-face meetings, and can benefit
from computer support. This 2x2 experiment is the first to look
at the joint effects of a distributed asynchronous computer conferencing
mode of communication (CC, as compared with face-to-face), and
a structured process, on software design outcomes. Subjects were
teams of graduate students in computer science and business, who
designed an automated post office as a course assignment. The
quality of solution produced by the CC groups was judged to marginally
higher, while CC groups were rated as considerably more creative.
There were no main effects for the structured/unstructured factor,
or any significant interactions. Key words and phrases
:
distributed group support
, group creativity
, group support systems
, software requirements
analysis
The JMIS site is designed, constructed and maintained using RMM technology