Subjecting CSCW to business: a model curriculum for CSCW validated against business needs

Business and computing journals indicate a resurgence of interest in the competitive advantages offered by groupware products. However, problems and limitations in the development and implementation of such products suggest a lack of understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). A pilot study was conducted to formulate the core content of a universal CSCW curriculum, a curriculum that includes topics from a range of disciplines. Topics were extracted from existing CSCW syllabi and supplemented with material found in research papers covering CSCW issues. The proposed curriculum was then validated against a small sample of Australian business managers and consultants. The findings highlight the interdisciplinary nature of CSCW systems development and implementation. Implications of findings for CSCW education of business graduates in information systems are discussed together with directions for further research.