Virtual Teamwork: A Product of Globalization Implications for University Education by Rainer Lenz, Carlos Machado :: SSRN

Rainer Lenz

University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld

Carlos Pascoa Machado

University of Minho


June 2006


Abstract:
With globalization, virtual teamwork is becoming the predominant type of labour organization within multinational companies. Empirical studies on this new form of teamwork show that besides requiring specific knowledge, this teamwork requires social skills, as well as media and methodological competencies. Through the Bologna-Process European universities received clear directions to prepare young professionals for the challenges of the future working life by focusing on extra-curricular activities and developing personal key competencies. Accordingly, this essay outlines how to prepare students to work in a virtual team environment by making fundamental reforms to university education. A key element of proposed reforms is the introduction of Collaborative Computer Supported Learning as the leading didactic principle, especially in postgraduate studies.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 30

Keywords: Virtual teamwork, virtual team work, new media, globalization, university education, computer supported collabortaive learning, CSCL, virual team, virtual collaboration, knowledge management

JEL Classifications: A10, A20, A23, D21, F23, J10, J23, L16, M12

Working Paper Series
Virtual Teamwork: A Product of Globalization Implications for University Education by Rainer Lenz, Carlos Machado :: SSRN