Site Planning  «Prev  Next»
Lesson 5

Planning Website Design Conclusion

This module reviewed the website planning modules used when planning a website design.
In addition, it reviewed the models that were introduced in the first course of this series, Web Site Planning Models.
You will see both models applied throughout this course, as a way of making the complex concepts of Web development concrete.
In addition, it is the intention of the web team to put a human face on the web development process by creating a user interface that enables the visitor to maximize engagement.

The basic commerce model: sales and profits

The simplest website business model is based on making sales and profits. A classic ecommerce website like Amazon or BestBuy.com sells products, takes orders, charges credit cards, and ships goods. Software and some information sites have the advantage of being able to deliver what they sell online, at the time of the transaction.
These sites normally offer their target customers the benefit of ease of use and selection. Amazon.com set the standard for commerce sites by offering a huge selection and a wealth of additional information on the products it sells.
Planning a Web design will be discussed in the next module, which introduces signs and metaphors, the top layer of the Web Interaction Model.

Characteristics of Virtual Team

A virtual team may exist for a short period of time or a much longer duration. It can be composed of individuals solely from within the organization or a mixture of people from several different organizations. The virtual team may work only with one special project, or simply concentrate on routine tasks. Regardless of the nature of the virtual team, they all share common characteristics. First and foremost, communication in the virtual team is always mediated by some form of technology. Without the ability to communicate effectively, virtual teams would not exist. The development and increasing sophistication of the Internet and other communication technologies has made the use of virtual teams possible. By definition, virtual teams are separated by physical distance, in different geographic areas and various time zones. Work can continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week, essentially following the sun around the world. The use of the Internet and other communication technologies makes this global collaboration possible. A virtual team always has a common task or goal to work toward. This goal is the guiding force in the productivity of the team. Virtual teams are result-driven, and all the team members work together to accomplish the ultimate objective.

Creation of Virtual Team

The creation of a virtual team involves several different steps. Before any work can begin, five tasks must be accomplished at the beginning of the process. The success or failure of the virtual team depends on executing each step effectively.

Identify the Need for a Virtual Team

The first step is to determine if there is a need to create a virtual team. There are many reasons organizations utilize virtual teams. Mergers and acquisitions of new businesses can create circumstances where an organization has many different units scattered throughout the world. A company can also form alliances and partnerships with international entities, creating the need for a virtual team. Globalization and worldwide competition is creating increasingly complex business situations necessitating the establishment of virtual teams.
Changes in the marketplace have also driven the development of virtual teams. There is an increasing amount of specialization, which heightens the customer expectations and provides more alternatives. Organizations may turn to the use of virtual teams to stay competitive. Scarce resources could be distributed and shared for a possible cost savings. Outsourcing some functions may also enable an organization to maximize its strengths and concentrate on its core competencies.
Changes in society have had a role in the proliferation of virtual teams. Time compression in business and industry has created an environment where work must continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees are increasingly demanding flexible schedules; telecommuting is becoming more of an option. Working in a virtual team provides the solution to some of these societal issues.
Getting the job done in the fastest, most efficient way is how organizations survive and prosper. With the use of virtual teams, businesses can procure experts to participate in the process no matter where they are located. If an organization does not have people in its immediate vicinity who are subject matter experts, the need to create a virtual team is urgent and substantial.