This case study report is requested by Dr xxx, the lecture of managing communications technology in xxx University . The case study comes from course study guide of managing communications technology (2008). This report is due on 05th of May, 2008.1.2Company backgroundTwo companies, Gretham Young (GY) and Jameson Business Systems (JBS) formalized their relationship and became a new company which is named Gretham Jameson Consulting (GJC). The new joint company is located in different cities in New Zealand with 145 employees on differing contracts, say, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Wellington and Christchurch. The other two overseas branches where are located in London and New York with to ...view middle of the document...
In addition, the recommendations section is out of financial and budget consideration.2.0 Discussion/Problems analysisThis section will identify some major problems which are not only facing the company now, but also is possible for further investigations. To be specific, the discussion will address virtual team issues, technological issues, technological skill and attitudes of employees and ethical issues.2.1 Geographically dispersed team issues /Virtual team issuesTo investigate the company's geographical characteristics, it is located in different cities in New Zealand with 145 employees on differing contracts, say, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Wellington and Christchurch. The other two overseas branches where are located in London and New York with total of 40 employees. As a result, geographically dispersed teams need to create. The geographically dispersed team also known as a virtual team which is defined as a team of individuals who work across time/geographical restriction and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by wed of communication technology (Business Edge, 2006). The virtual team has complementary skills and committed to a common purpose, interdependent performance goals, and share an approach to work for which they hold themselves mutually accountable (Virtual team, n.d.). Although such many advantages to create virtual team, below the surface, there are some weaknesses which have to be considered by JBS' top management:The disunity of timing between team segments in multi-location.Contacting could be a problem, if they work from home, especially face-to-face communication if it is necessary. All communication processes are basically focused on email, telework. But a large number of telework also can be a problem for the company to contact the entire workforce.Misunderstanding in communications is a drawback, because of differences in cultural and language among virtual teams.2.2 Technological issuesICT applications have a strong impact on company's productivity by reduce wastes and costs in diverse ways such as human resource, spending on transaction, and customer service (Qiang, Clarke, & Halewood, 2006). Therefore, it requires a high standard on ICT hardware, software, upgrade, and security etc. According to case, the old GY and JBS have some distances on using ICT equipments. For instance, GY employees have been used latest model computing equipments and software, but JBS employees have some weaknesses on using ICT such as outmoded computers, software, printers and other equipments. As thus, a compatibility issue between systems is a major problem existing in this new joint enterprise.Secondly, ICT is a powerful tool such as e-mail, intranet which impact on business operation of GJC. However, managers also have to consider its negative aspects. The technology on security is possible a problem for many organizations. GJC saved their confidential data on networks, and some sensitive information in databas...
