Utilizing virtual teams in a management principles course

• Published in: Education & training (London) Vol. 49; no. 5; pp. 408 - 423
• Main Authors: Olson-Buchanan, Julie B, Rechner, Paula L, Sanchez, Rudolph J, Schmidtke, James M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.01.2007; Emerald
• Subjects: Access to Computers; Case Studies; Classrooms; Collaborative learning; College Students; Communication; Computer Mediated Communication; Curriculum Development; Distance learning; Education; Educational technology; Employees; Faculty Workload; Formative Evaluation; Information technology; Management Development; Management training; Online instruction; Performance evaluation; Principles; Professional development; Regression (Statistics); Skill Development; Skills; Students; Studies; Team Training; Teamwork; Technology Uses in Education; Training Methods; Virtual Classrooms; Virtual reality; Virtual teams; Web Based Instruction; Communication technologies; Virtual work; Professional education; Computer based training; Management training; Team working
• ISSN: 0040-0912; 1758-6127
• DOI: 10.1108/00400910710762968

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe development of a component in a management principles course to develop university students' virtual team skills. There were several challenges in creating and implementing this new component. The paper aims to describe how these challenges were addressed and discusses outcomes associated with this virtual team component.Design methodology approach - This paper primarily presents a case study of the evolution of a virtual team education module. Descriptive data and regression analysis are presented to support specific outcomes.Findings - After completing the course, participants indicated the virtual team experience helped them gain useful professional skills. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated satisfaction with the virtual experience and perceptions that the virtual team experience built useful skills that were related to willingness to use this technology in the future (controlling for age, gender, working experience, and team performance).Research limitations implications - The training method was implemented in only one institution. Additionally, limited empirical data is presented.Practical implications - Results can be used by others interested in implementing a virtual team training education component in a university setting. Non-educational organizations may find the information helpful in successfully introducing virtual teams to employees.Originality value - While computer mediated technology is increasingly utilized to educate and train students and employees, the process of effectively training people to optimally utilize technology, especially in a team setting, is not well documented. Additionally, this paper highlights factors that influence the acceptance of technology and willingness to use technology in the future.