scholarly journals An Augmented Infocommunication Model for Unified Communications in Situational Contexts of Collaboration

10.28945/4695 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 077-099
Author(s):  
Carolina F Abrantes ◽  
Óscar Mealha ◽  
Diogo Gomes ◽  
João Paulo Barraca ◽  
Carlos Ferreira

Aim/Purpose: In this work, the authors propose an augmented model for human-centered Unified Communications & Collaboration (UC&C) product design and evaluation, which is supported by previous theoretical work. Background: Although the goal of implementing UC&C in an organization is to promote and mediate group dynamics, increasing overall productivity and collaboration; it does not seem to provide a solution for effective communication. It is clear that there is still a lack of consideration for human communication processes in the development of such products. Methodology: This paper is sustained by existing research to propose and test the application of an augmented model capable of supporting the design, development and evaluation of UC&C services that can be driven by the human communication process. To test the application of the augmented model in UC&C service development, a proof-of-concept mobile prototype was elaborated upon and evaluated, making use of User Experience (UX) and user-centred methods and techniques. A total of nine testing sessions were carried out in an organizational communication setup and recorded with eye tracking technology. Contribution: The authors argue that UC&C services should look at the user’s (human) natural processes to improve effective infocommunication and thus enhance collaboration. Authors believe this augmented version of the model will pave the way improving the research and development of useful and practical infocommunication products, capable of truly serving users’ needs. Findings: On evaluation of the prototype, qualitative data analysis uncovered structural problems in the proposed prototype which hindered the augmented model’s elements and subsequently, the user experience. Five out of eighteen identified interaction issues are highlighted in this paper to demonstrate the proposed augmented model’s validity, applied in UC&C services evaluation. Recommendations for Practitioners: Considering and respecting the user’s natural communication processes, practitioners should be able to propose and develop innovative solutions that truly enable and empower effective organizational collaboration. UC&C functionalities should be designed, taking the augmented model’s proposed elements and their pertinence in representing the human interpersonal communication phenomena into consideration, namely: Social Presence; Immediacy of Communication; Concurrency and Synchronicity. Recommendation for Researchers: This paper intends to demonstrate that the adoption and use of UTAUT technology characteristics, in conjunction with Synchronicity proposition, can be considered as a reference for human-centric design and the evaluation of UC&C systems. Impact on Society: To highlight the need to develop further research on this important topic of human collaboration mediated by technology inside organizations. Future Research: This research focused its attention on communication functionalities. However, collaboration can potentially be affected by other services that may be included in a UC&C system, such as scheduling, meetings or task management. Future research could consider employing this augmented model to evaluate such systems or proof-of-concept prototypes.

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Carolina Abrantes ◽  
Óscar Mealha ◽  
Diogo Gomes ◽  
João Paulo Barraca ◽  
José Ferreira

This article describes a co-design process in the context of user experience (UX) and usability testing and analysis of a first proof of concept of e-collaboration features based on unified communications, co-designed within an organization aiming to optimize users' communication cognitive load. An initial digital prototype with a detailed graphical interface, and simulated user narratives was established and the qualitative validation process is described and discussed. The implemented R&D process is mainly supported on user-centred design (UCD) methodology, namely action research with service design thinking method and co-design techniques. Qualitative data was gathered with concurrent think-aloud activities (CTA) stimulated by user experience expectation questions, observation notes, with integration in an eye tracking technology system. The UCD process and results are discussed, substantiating the added value due to the individual contributions and consequent usefulness of a final unified communication service for the organization.


Author(s):  
Barboros BOSTAN ◽  
Tim MARSH

The focus of interactive storytelling should not only be on the attributes of the technology or characteristics of the medium, such as the AI techniques, planning formalisms, story representations, etc. but also on the computer-mediated communication processes, such as the relatedness of transmitted messages with previous exchanges of information, the number of attributes to be manipulated by the player, or the level of player control on the messages. It is argued that an approach to maximize player enjoyment in a computer game is to customize/personalize the gaming experience and the associated computer-mediated communication processes. To this aim and to provide answers to “how” and “what” should be customized, the article first explores the problematic notions of interactivity and then frame the discussion in the context of interactive storytelling systems. Secondly, it analyses table-top role-playing games RPGs - the live counterpart of computerized interactive storytelling systems – in an attempt to find “what” to customize. In particular, it focuses on the Dungeon Master whose role in co-ordinating human-to-human communication process of interactive storytelling provides valuable insights into how to handle the human-to-machine/game communication process. Finally, the article proposes a framework to explain “how” to customize for maximum player enjoyment and optimal game experience within an interactive storytelling system.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zou ◽  
Zidong Wang ◽  
Hongli Dong ◽  
Yurong Liu ◽  
Huijun Gao

In recent years, theoretical and practical research topics on networked control systems (NCSs) have gained an increasing interest from many researchers in a variety of disciplines owing to the extensive applications of NCSs in practice. In particular, an urgent need has arisen to understand the effects of communication processes on system performances. Sampling and protocol are two fundamental aspects of a communication process which have attracted a great deal of research attention. Most research focus has been on the analysis and control of dynamical behaviors under certain sampling procedures and communication protocols. In this paper, we aim to survey some recent advances on the analysis and synthesis issues of NCSs with different sampling procedures (time- and event-driven sampling) and protocols (static and dynamic protocols). First, these sampling procedures and protocols are introduced in detail according to their engineering backgrounds as well as dynamic natures. Then, the developments of the stabilization, control, and filtering problems are systematically reviewed and discussed in great detail. Finally, we conclude the paper by outlining future research challenges for analysis and synthesis problems of NCSs with different communication processes.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e028572
Author(s):  
Amy Halls ◽  
Mohan Kanagasundaram ◽  
Margaret Lau-Walker ◽  
Hilary Diack ◽  
Simon Bettles

ObjectiveAcutely unwell patients in the primary care setting are uncommon, but their successful management requires involvement from staff (clinical and non-clinical) working as a cohesive team. Despite the advantages of interprofessional education being well documented, there is little research evidence of this within primary care. Enhancing interprofessional working could ultimately improve care of the acutely ill patient. This proof of concept study aimed to develop an in situ simulation of a medical emergency to use within primary care, and assess its acceptability and utility through participants’ reported experiences.SettingThree research-active General Practices in south east England. Nine staff members per practice consented to participate, representing clinical and non-clinical professions.MethodsThe intervention of an in situ simulation scenario of a cardiac arrest was developed by the research team. For the evaluation, staff participated in individual qualitative semistructured interviews following the in situ simulation: these focused on their experiences of participating, with particular attention on interdisciplinary training and potential future developments of the in situ simulation.ResultsThe in situ simulation was appropriate for use within the participating General Practices. Qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews identified four themes: (1) apprehension and (un)willing participation, (2) reflection on the simulation design, (3) experiences of the scenario and (4) training.ConclusionsThis study suggests in situ simulation can be an acceptable approach for interdisciplinary team training within primary care, being well-received by practices and staff. This contributes to a fuller understanding of how in situ simulation can benefit both workforce and patients. Future research is needed to further refine the in situ simulation training session.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela K. Hollman ◽  
Sonja H. Bickford ◽  
Janet L. Lear

This article seeks to explain the key variables of internal communication processes of information technology executives, specifically chief information officers (CIOs), at higher education institutions. By understanding the key variables that influence the IT communication process, leaders and administrators, such as the CIO, can better communicate with their stakeholders leading to a successful, technology-integrated organization. While others have sought to model this business-IT relationship using communication as one part of a model, this study focuses upon only the CIO communication process adding value to current information technology management literature. This exploratory pilot article offers empirical insights about how CIOs communicate within their own team and up through the executive ranks of an organization. It suggests that CIOs can be divided into two categories; these two categories, keying off of communication variables, appear to directly affect the ultimate success or failure regarding the integration of technology into the mission and vision of the organization.


Author(s):  
Eun-Joo Kim ◽  
Ji-Young Lim ◽  
Geun-Myun Kim ◽  
Seong-Kwang Kim

Improving nursing students’ subjective happiness is germane for efficiency in the nursing profession. This study examined the subjective happiness of nursing students by applying social network analysis (SNA) and developing a strategy to improve the subjective happiness of nursing. The study adopted a cross sectional survey to measure subjective happiness and social network of 222 nursing students. The results revealed that the centralization index, which is a measure of intragroup interactions from the perspective of an entire network, was higher in the senior year compared with the junior year. Additionally, the indegree, outdegree, and centrality of the social network of students with a high level of subjective happiness were all found to be high. This result suggests that subjective happiness is not just an individual’s psychological perception, but can also be expressed more deeply depending on the subject’s social relationships. Based on the study’s results, to strengthen self-efficacy and resilience, it is necessary to utilize strategies that activate group dynamics, such as team activities, to improve subjective happiness. The findings can serve as basic data for future research focused on improving nursing students’ subjective happiness by consolidating team-learning social networks through a standardized program approach within a curriculum or extracurricular programs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hallie Anthony

This Major Research Paper (MRP) is a research-­creation project that explores the role, impact and influence of music n human communication. More specifically, this MRP investigates the way that music can assist in cognitive comprehension and information retention in individuals with varied forms of memory loss and considers the ways that music can be used to assist in aiding verbal memory and communicating emotion. It also offers insight on methods that could be utilized to further study this area of research. As a research-­creation project, this MRP includes three original musical compositions (Composition A1, Composition B2, and Composition C3) that were developed in response to the scholarly literature on this topic. The three musical compositions that have been produced for this project aim to communicate emotion, create aesthetic satisfaction, and aid in reinforcing the production of memories based on the information presented in the compositions. The composition creation process was informed by information gathered throughout the research process that addresses topics such as: the influence of music on individual listeners, emotion in music, and musical techniques that can be used to successfully communicate ideas. Beyond the scope of this MRP/research-­creation project, these compositions aim to serve as a basis for testing cognitive function in individuals with varied forms of memory loss. Detailed discussion of the design of the musical compositions, including information related to the composition influences, and a breakdown of each composition are included alongside the MRP’s focus on scholarly literature and research. Furthermore, the potential implications of these compositions, including the ways they could assist in future research, is discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (02) ◽  
pp. 221-233
Author(s):  
Riko Aji Pratama

Abstract  Couples of different religions are prone to conflicts related to issues, especially regarding beliefs. In interfaith marriages, the inner bond that exists between a man and a woman but of different religions gives rise to state and religious administrative obstacles as well as other non-administrative obstacles. The purpose of this study was to determine the communication process in building relationships between interfaith couples. This study uses interpersonal communication theory and social penetration theory. This research using qualitative descriptive methods and interviews to collect data. The data obtained is the result of in-depth interviews with 2 sources who have become husband and wife of different religions. The research process from data reduction, data presentation, then analyzed to draw conclusions. The results of this study explain that through the process intimate relations. Interpersonal communication processes that are intertwined become a means to build better and harmonious relationships. The process is influenced by the memory of each partner. In building relationships through interpersonal communication there are factors that influence relationships, such as two-way communication, openness, comfort, trust, and supportiveness is a way of maintaining relationships  Keywords: Communication Process; Different religion; Interpersonal Communication; Interfaith Couples  Abstrak Penelitian ini membahas tentang proses komunikasi dalam membangun relasi pasangan beda agama. Pasangan beda agama rentan adanya konflik yang berhubungan dengan permasalahan khususnya menyangkut keyakinan. Dalam perkawinan beda agama, ikatan batin yang terjalin antara seorang pria dan wanita tetapi berbeda agama sehingga memunculkan kendala administratif negara dan agama serta kendala non administratif lainnya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui proses komunikasi dalam membangun relasi pasangan beda agama. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori komunikasi interpersonal, proses komunikasi dari pengenalan sampai dengan yang lebih intim pemetaan dari pengertian teori penetrasi sosial. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dan wawancara  untuk mengumpulkan data. Data yang diperoleh merupakan hasil wawancara mendalam dengan 2 narasumber yang telah menjadi suami istri yang berbeda agama. Proses penelitian dari reduksi data, penyajian data, kemudian dianalisis untuk pengambilan kesimpulan. Hasil Penelitian ini menjelaskan bahwa melalui proses dari intim menuju ke lebih intim. Proses komunikasi interpersonal yang terjalin menjadi sarana untuk membangun relasi yang lebih baik dan harmonis. Proses komunikasi membangun relasi tidak semata-mata langsung dekat ada proses didalamnya. Proses tersebut dipengaruhi oleh memori dari masing-masing pasangan. Penelitian sebelumnya menjelaskan mengenai kecerdasan dalam berkomunikasi dalam perbedaan agama antar pegawai dalam suatu instansi untuk mengetahui strategi dalam berkomunikasi. Dalam membangun relasi melalui komunikasi interpersonal ada faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi relasi seperti komunikasi dua arah, keterbukaan, kenyamanan, sikap percaya, suportif dan mendukung adalah cara dalam pemeliharaan hubunganKata Kunci: Beda Agama; Komunikasi Interpersonal; Pasangan Suami Istri; Proses Komunikasi


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-142
Author(s):  
Piotr Łuczuk

Abstract Nowadays, due to the benefits of technological development and the spread of the Internet, various threats have started to be recognized. Still, the awareness of society, especially politicians and state administration in this area is insufficient. This is also evidenced by the fact that initially this topic was not discussed at all in the scientific and even popular literature. The author of the article poses a question: is there, then, an effective method of defense against cyber threats, since their effects can be so disturbing? According to the author, the key to cyber security is the awareness of users of the digital communication process, both at the administrative and social levels.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Dennard ◽  
Derek K. Tracy ◽  
Aaron Beeney ◽  
Laura Craster ◽  
Fiona Bailey ◽  
...  

Purpose Prisons are uniquely challenging working environments. Staff are often exposed to direct and indirect trauma, impacting negatively on their mental well-being. Due to the limited research into prison staff experience, this paper aims to explore what staff find most challenging, how they cope, what support they would like and rewarding aspects of their work. Design/methodology/approach This service development project was facilitated through a staff well-being event. A qualitative approach was used and 74 staff members provided anonymised responses. An inductive and data-driven approach was used to analyse the data, and the trustworthiness of the analysis was considered using criteria established by Lincoln and Guba (1985). Findings Thematic analysis identified six themes, namely, the challenging nature of the work, interactions with prisoners, staff interactions, inadequate resources, staff support and development and coping strategies. Key findings include managing distress, self-harm and violence and limited resources presenting challenges. Role variety and opportunities to support prisoners were reported as positive. A variety of coping strategies were identified. Wider availability of supervision and reflective practice was suggested by staff. Practical implications Recommendations for increased staff support are made. Suggestions for future research investigating methods to increase rewarding aspects of work within prisons are given. Originality/value This analysis adds to the limited body of qualitative research investigating prison staff experiences; in particular, aspects of the work that they find rewarding such as the role variety and opportunities to make positive changes to prisoners’ lives. Novel coping strategies were identified, including cognitive reframing and behavioural strategies for managing stress, which could be encouraged to increase resilience.


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