Unified Communications: Does It Have A Role In The Classroom?

Unified communications (UC) is being widely adopted by business and industry. Research has shown that UC increases productivity. Within higher education, UC has been implemented to improve administrative functions. However, in the academic environment the use of UC as an educational tool has yet to be explored. This extended abstract proposes a research study to investigate student use of communication tools to support their academic studies and to use this data to propose a model for implementing UC as a means to support the teaching/learning process

Impact of Unified Communications on Communication, Relationship Building and Performance

Unified Communications (UC) integrates multiple communication and multimedia services such as voice, email, fax, voice messaging, video conferencing and chat into a unified user experience. In this research, we study the use of UC in global virtual teams in a multinational corporation. Specifically, we conduct a case study to examine how the use of UC enhances individuals’ ability to communicate, helps them create and build relationship, and then how such relationship building in turn improves their performance. This research will contribute to the theoretical understanding of the use of UC in organizational settings. This research also has practical significance as it can help organizations to make better decisions in regards to their investments in and usage of communication technologies in a global environment

STUDENT USE OF UNIFIED COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES: A PILOT STUDY

Unified Communications (UC) is being widely adopted by business and industry. Research has shown that UC increases productivity. Although UC tools are being used widely on campus, very little research has been done on the use of UC in the classroom. This paper reports the findings of a pilot study that asked students to indicate their use of various communication technologies to support their academic studies. Students indicated heavy use of email, voice and text messaging and limited use of instant messaging, teleconferencing and videoconferencing. Patterns of use were distinct – students prefer to use different technologies when communicating with faculty than when communicating with peers. The academic use of communication technologies will continue to evolve, although gradually. The next generation of Learning Management Systems that purposefully and thoughtfully integrate communications technologies will be positioned to become the infrastructure provider for UC in the classroom

Connectivity and Continuity: New Fronts in the Platform War

Device interconnectivity in video conferencing, telephony, texting, file sharing, and application handoff has become a critical battleground for tech giants. This panel compared approaches to device connectivity and application continuity, reviewed current solutions, and shared projections for the future of connectivity. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are predictably focusing on connectivity across devices and applications rather than across platforms. Given the scope of impact of these innovations, tech giants will be under increasing pressure to architect a world wherein devices and platforms are secondary to what users want to achieve via technology. Participants examined competing approaches to connectivity and continuity, explored emergent issues for research and practice, and discussed the social and business impacts of these technologies

Connectivity and Continuity: New Fronts in the Platform Wars

Device interconnectedness in video conferencing, telephony, texting, file-sharing and application handoff has become a critical battleground for tech giants. In this panel, we will distinguish between approaches to device connectivity and application continuity, give an overview of current solutions and share projections for the future of connectivity. Apple, Microsoft and Google are predictably focusing on connectivity across devices and applications rather than across platforms. Given the scope of impact of these innovations, tech giants will be under increasing pressure to architect a world wherein devices and platforms are secondary to what users want to achieve via technology. Participants will examine competing approaches to connectivity and continuity, explore emergent issues for research and practice, and discuss the social and business impacts of these technologies

Transforming Communications in the Workplace: The Impact of UC on Perceived Productivity in a Multi-national Corporation

Aim/Purpose: Unified Communications (UC) is touted as a technology that will transform business communication. While positive claims abound, the factors of UC attributable to its success have yet to be identified. By examining how users perceive UC impacts productivity, this study aids organizations in making better decisions regarding investments in and usage of communications technologies. Background: Unified Communications integrates disparate communications and information sharing applications into a single platform. The promise of UC is that it will revolutionize the workplace by providing a more synchronized fit between the way people communicate and the technology they use. Methodology: Through case study research conducted within a large multinational corporation (the Hewlett Packard Company), this study investigated the impact of UC on productivity. Interview narratives were examined using an open coding technique to capture individual perceptions of productivity. Further, to assess the role UC plays in facilitating relationship building and its connection to productivity, participant responses were mapped to the key factors of technology that influence relationships within an organization as identified by Dillon and Montano (2005). Contribution: This research contributes to studies on the impact of UC on productivity in the workplace. Findings UC was found to increase personal productivity, remove communication barriers, and create a more positive work environment. Recommendations for Practitioners : The findings of this study will aid organizations in making investment decisions as they evolve their business communications strategy. Impact on Society: Unified Communications will play an increasingly important role as people adapt to the evolving digital world through which they communicate and collaborate. Future Research: Little research exists that examines the impact of UC within an organization. Additional research investigating the use of UC in a variety of business sectors is needed

Transforming the Workplace: Unified Communications & Collaboration Usage Patterns in a Large Automotive Manufacturer

The business communications landscape continues to change dramatically as a plethora of communications channels and devices become available and mature. Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C), the integration of multiple communication channels and collaboration technologies, represents innovation in the communications technology space. The promise of UC&C is that it will increase productivity, spur innovation, and improve collaboration by providing an infrastructure that supports the rising knowledge economy, the digitally connected enterprise, and the virtual work environment. This study examines the usage patterns of employees following the implementation of a UC&C platform within a large automotive manufacturer, namely General Motors. The results indicate that UC&C has had a positive impact on both business and employees and offers the potential to leverage the benefits of rich collaboration, interactive experience, and human intelligence to transform the workplace