Adaptive Configuration of Service-Based Information Systems for Innovation Processes

13.03.2009, Diplomarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

The aim of this thesis is to implement an agenda builder tool using latest Web 2.0 technologies as a Web application in a Java / Liferay Portal environment that allows configuring a complete innovation and collaboration scenario.

GSS and ThinkLets

ThinkLets – similar to applets – are small units of intellectual capital that allow creating repeatable, predictable patterns of thinking among people. A ThinkLet consist of three components:

• 1. Tool – The specific version of the specific hardware and software technology used to create a pattern of thinking.
• 2. Configuration – The specifics of how the hardware and software were configured to create a pattern of interaction.
• 3. Script – The sequence of events and instructions given to the group to create the pattern of thinking

ThinkLets can be organised into seven categories to achieve different goals in a group collaboration effort: Diverge, converge, organise, elaborate, abstract, evaluate, and build consensus.

Agenda Builder in Web 2.0

The aim of this thesis is to implement an agenda builder tool using latest Web 2.0 technologies as a Web application in a Java / Liferay Portal environment that allows configuring a complete GSS scenario. For that purpose the agenda builder has to provide a tool selector, allow the configuration of each tool and a script of instructions. Moreover, several ThinkLets have to be combined to create an overall Process. This data could then, for example, be exported as PowerPoint slides, as agendas for the GroupSystems ThinkTank tool or in BPEL.

In a second phase the agenda builder should be extended to not only allow the agenda building in general but to allow a process-driven configuration of collaboration processes. Based on the goals, setting, and circumstances of the collaboration scenario the agenda builder should support the user by offering pre-defined collaboration scenarios and hints as to which tools should be used in succession. This process-driven configuration should be based on the findings in GSS literature to enhance team efficiency.

References

• Briggs, R.; De Vreede, G.; Nunamaker Jr, J. & Tobey, D. (2001): ThinkLets (2001): Achieving Predictable, Repeatable Patterns of Group Interaction with Group Support Systems (GSS) System Sciences, 2001. Proceedings of the 34th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
• Kolfschoten, G.; Briggs, R.; Appelman, J. & de Vreede, G. (2004): ThinkLets as Building Blocks for Collaboration Processes: A Further Conceptualization Thirty-Eighth Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Science, Big Island, Hawaii.
• Briggs, R.; Vreede, G. d. & Nunamaker Jr, J. (2003): Collaboration Engineering with ThinkLets to Pursue Sustained Success with Group Support Systems. Journal of Management Information Systems, ME Sharpe, 19, 31-64.
• Kolfschoten, G. & Veen, W. (2005): Tool Support for GSS Session Design. Proceedings of the 38th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS'05), 16b-16b.

Kontakt: Christoph Riedl riedlc@in.tum.de (I17, Prof. Krcmar)