Virtual team tools: a case study of graduate student experiences and their perceptions of positive group work outcomes

Abstract

This paper forms part of an exploration into how graduate business students in the USA experience group work within a part-time MBA programme. A single case, embedded study was conducted in 2011, which reveals new insight and understanding into the manner in which virtual team tools enhance the perception of positive group work outcomes for graduate business students. Study findings indicate the incorporation and teaching of virtual team tools enhances the perception of positive group work outcome for students. These benefits extended beyond the graduate classroom, with study participants reporting the value of these tools in relation to their world of work and professional life. Within this context, this paper also provides understanding into the manner in which educators can serve as facilitators of group work by the introduction of virtual team tools.