Managing collaborative knowledge-based teams: the use and misuse of computer supported technologies

Summary form only given as follows. This paper describes three case studies that illustrate the usage of computer-supported technologies in knowledge-based teams. Special emphasis is placed on the use of Lotus Notes which is deployed to a varied extent in all three cases. The first case examines a software development project for a California-based division of a disk storage manufacturer. The other two cases are based in Sweden. One case involves a heavy engineering project for a large multinational conglomerate where Lotus Notes was used to manage projects. The last case involves a light engineering application to coordinate agencies that schedule and track ship movement and maintenance. Various methodologies and analysis techniques were used ranging from field studies, questionnaires, observation and interviews. Comparative results are presented in the form of critical success factors where the key factors are top management support and team readiness to accept computer-supported technologies.