Business Research for Decision Making

Beatrice Mandeville

American Intercontinental University

Business Research for Decision Making

Unit 2 IP

October 14, 2011

ABSTRACT

In the previous paper a literature review was completed on the hypothesis “Is collaborative technology in virtual business team a facilitator of corporate globalization?” now we will complete a theoretical framework on the same hypothesis. Then we will finish the paper with the research design.

INTRODUCTION

We have completed the literature review on the hypothesis “Is collaborative technology in virtual business teams a facilitator of corporate globalization?” This paper is the theoretical framework and the research design of the same hypothesis. A theoretical framework is the foundation of hypothetico-deductive research (Sekaran, U., Bougie, R., 2010). Virtual teams are a group of people who interact through interdependent tasks guided by a common purpose, and work across space, time, and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by webs of communication technologies (Steinfield, C., n.d). The research design is the glue that holds the project together (Trochim, w, M.K., 2006).

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Virtual teams and collaborative technology are the key variables for this theoretical framework. Globalization is the consequence of the technology that the world has experienced over the last couple of decades. The continuing progress in this technology is enabling corporations to expand their business with foreign branches, firms, factories, and even the possibility of merging with foreign companies. Everyday business is conducted differently because of the advancements in technology.

Virtual teams were formed so that businesses could expand without the traveling cost and they save time and cost for businesses. There are some questions about collaborative technology and virtual teams. One being, how do these virtual teams work? Virtual teams work by members of the project sending emails, having conference calls, or even chat rooms to discuss the ideas of the project. Virtual teams are not located in the same place.

An example of virtual teams and collaborative technology is AIU (American Intercontinental University). AIU uses the collaborative tools such as email, discussion boards, chat rooms, and profiles to confirm attendance and enables those who cannot attend class to go to school. AIU has the ability to reach students in different cities, states, and countries.