CASE STUDY
“Virtual Meetings: Smart Management”

Gavin's? question (up to 400 words?)1. One consulting firm has predicted that video and Web conferencing will make
business travel extinct. Do you agree? Why or why not?

• define video and web conferencing  (use in text referencing or specific author reference - not part of word count)

• Pros and Cons (points to consider: closing sales, costs, globalisation, time zones, availabilty, technological improvement, IT skills, videoconferenecing etiquette, size of company, locations, etc.)

• Agree or disagree based on the evidence above

Mel P - consider also cultural pressures, the value of meeting in person, availability of compatible technology, necessity of transportation of physical equipment eg requirements for in person demos, legality of electronic signatures compared to genuine, resistance to change, ability to record meeting, facilitation of inter company verses intra company use.


Mel F's? Question (up to 200 words?)
2. What is the distinction between videoconferencing and telepresence?

Define each (with reference). Compare the two and highlight the diiference. 






Amanda's Question (up to 400 words?)
3. What are the ways in which videoconferencing provides value to a business, in
particular the business communication processes? Would you consider it smart
management? Explain your answer.

List business communication processes.
Incorporate definition of videoconferencing from Qu2 to evaluate the pros of videoconferencing.
Agee or disagree and why.

Mel P - cost analysis, ease of use, Grant said assume high usage

Mary's Question (up to 300 words)
4. If you were in charge of a small business, would you choose to implement
videoconferencing? What factors would you consider in your decision?

Consideration: cashflow or capital injection for initial cost outlay, training time, prcedural writing and ongoing costs for training, maintenance and technological  improvements,skills resistence, interuption to productivity, government funding and grants, multiple locations, number of staff, travel cost savings, climate friendly involvement and advertising benefits, overall added value to profitability.

Mel P - also depends on nature of business- does it need to be a market leader to promote the use of the business itself. Validity of use, would other cheaper methods suffice or is the visual componenent really necessary, predicted usage - will it add value. compatibility with technology of those you are conferencing with.
Mel P's Question (up to 400 words)
5. Describe the steps you would take to prepare for a Web conference as opposed
to a face-to-face conference. What technology would you use to support this
process?

Define web conference
List equipment necessary for web conference
List necessaries for face to face conference (any visual aids: projector, whiteboard, etc)
Formal or informal?
Preparing participants on procedures and ettiquette

Introduction (up to 300 words)

Recommendations (up to 400 words)


Conclusion (up to 150 words)