Simulating Internet-based collaboration: A cost-benefit case study using a multi-agent model [An article from: Decision Support Systems]

This digital document is a journal article from Decision Support Systems, published by Elsevier in 2007. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
The relationship between the adoption of Internet-based communication technology (ICT) and coordination performance has not been explored in sufficient depth in the literature. We argue that the impact of ICT on a coordination system typically needs to be studied on a case-by-case basis. A case study utilizing multi-agent simulation to support decision-making is described. We built the simulation system based on a theoretical model and a real world case. Through a proper verification process, we demonstrate that a multi-agent simulation experiment is a valid decision support tool for IT investment decisions. From the particular context of our case, we observe that the adoption of ICT is not a determinant of productivity. To save time and to cut cost, decision makers should focus more on technology utilization and business process redesign.