Virtual Collaboration Research Articles

The Impact of Group Collaboration Habits on Team Task Outcomes in PBL Business Courses

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a cornerstone of business education, particularly in the Canadian context, where multiculturalism and diversity play a significant role in shaping classroom dynamics. This paper explores how collaboration habits, such as effective communication, role allocation, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity, influence team task outcomes in PBL business courses. It highlights the challenges posed by language barriers, academic disparities, uneven commitment, and virtual collaboration while proposing solutions through structured interventions by educators and institutional support. Using data-driven analysis and theoretical frameworks, the study underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity, equipping students with collaboration skills, and leveraging digital tools to enhance teamwork in diverse settings. The findings provide actionable insights for educators and institutions to refine PBL strategies, ensuring students develop competencies essential for global business environments. This research contributes to understanding how deliberate efforts in collaboration management can transform learning experiences and prepare students for professional challenges.

Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Blended Learning in a Technology–Enabled Education Environment

Technology integration in education has led to blended learning, a pedagogical approach combining traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical research, this investigation examines the impact of blended learning on both students and educators. It delves into this approach's diverse range of technologies, including Learning Management Systems, video conferencing tools, and digital content platforms. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research identifies the opportunities that arise from adopting blended learning. It investigates the advantages of increased student flexibility, personalised learning experiences, and enhanced access to educational resources. The study explores how interactive content and virtual collaboration tools can boost student engagement and motivation. However, the study also uncovers educators' and students' challenges when implementing blended learning. These obstacles include technology access and proficiency issues, consistent communication, and addressing individual learning needs. The study addresses potential resistance to change from traditional teaching methods and the importance of teacher training and support. It compares students' achievements in blended learning environments with those in traditional classrooms and analyses the role of technology in influencing these outcomes. Based on the findings, the research concludes by providing insights into the future implications of blended learning in technology-enabled education environments. Keywords: Blended Learning; Learning Management System; Technology-enabled learning

Exploring the potential of online scientific research to meet modern needs: international perspective

The internet and digital technologies have brought about a significant change in the way scientific research is conducted, marking a paradigm shift in the field. This article explores how the internet has influenced and facilitated scientific research, along with the internal challenges and limitations researchers face in the digital age. Several examples of research and the attitudes of different categories of respondents towards the use of online tools are provided. With the help of online collaboration tools, researchers can work together from different parts of the world, share data in real time, and leverage interdisciplinary synergies to drive scientific progress. Access to vast online databases, journals, and repositories has also enabled researchers to speed up literature reviews and remain up­to­date with the latest scientific explorations. Moreover, the internet has facilitated the sharing of research data, code, and materials, promoting transparency, replication, and reuse of valuable scientific resources. However, online research is not immune to challenges, such as concerns about data quality, reliability, and validity. Online information may contain errors or intentional misinformation. Additionally, the digital divide and uneven global access to internet infrastructure can lead to sampling bias in online research. The article presents the advantages and disadvantages of using online tools for conducting research. It also highlights that the constant emergence of new online tools and platforms requires ongoing adaptation, and factors such as unique web browsing experiences and technological variations can impede the reproducibility of certain online studies. Despite these challenges, the article argues that the internet has become an indispensable tool for scientific research, creating both opportunities and challenges that the scientific community must skillfully navigate. The article aims to provide best practices for improving skills in areas such as data management, digital literacy, and virtual collaboration, which are crucial for the responsible and ethical advancement of scientific research in the digital age.

How virtual reality influences collaboration performance: a team-level analysis

PurposeIn the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the interest in the use of virtual reality (VR) for organizational collaboration has dramatically increased. However, empirical research on the optimal types of VR and avatar designs for effective collaboration remains limited. To address these gaps, this study investigates how VR types (immersive vs non-immersive) and avatar similarity (high vs low) impact collaboration performance, with a focus on the mediating roles of somatic, psychological and behavioral engagement.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on embodied cognition theory and grounded in user engagement theory, we developed a research model that delineates the factors influencing collaboration performance. This model was empirically tested with data collected from a laboratory experiment involving 195 participants, employing a 2 × 2 factorial design. The Engage VR was used for the experiment because it supports the same virtual environment for collaboration between immersive and non-immersive VR contexts. The data were analyzed at the team level (n = 65).FindingsThe results of this study reveal that both immersive VR and high avatar similarity significantly enhance collaboration performance by augmenting somatic engagement, which subsequently boosts psychological and behavioral engagement.Originality/valueThis research deepens the scholarly understanding of the intricate interplay among VR types, avatar design and user engagement. The study’s theoretical implications underscore the conceptualization of somatic engagement as a critical dimension of user engagement in virtual collaboration, enriching the extant literature on VR-based collaboration. It also provides pragmatic insights to enhance virtual collaboration in the workplace.

Ethical Challenges for Human–Agent Interaction in Virtual Collaboration at Work

In virtual collaboration at the workplace, a growing number of teams apply supportive conversational agents (CAs). They take on different work-related tasks for teams and single users such as scheduling meetings or stimulating creativity. Previous research merely focused on these positive aspects of introducing CAs at the workplace, omitting ethical challenges faced by teams using these often artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies. Thus, on the one hand, CAs can present themselves as benevolent teammates, but on the other hand, they can collect user data, reduce worker autonomy, or foster social isolation by their service. In this work, we conducted 15 expert interviews with senior researchers from the fields of ethics, collaboration, and computer science in order to derive ethical guidelines for introducing CAs in virtual team collaboration. We derived 14 guidelines and seven research questions to pave the way for future research on the dark sides of human–agent interaction in organizations.

Aligning the new work environment with OECD Goal 8: a design case of a global automobile brand from Turkey

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the economic sustainability of new work environments by exploring how interior design strategies can contribute to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth. SDG 8 aims to foster sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic development, as well as full and productive employment. Design/methodology/approach The pilot study was conducted at a global automobile brand’s largest facility in Kocaeli/Turkey, where 102 employees participated in stakeholder meetings divided into 18 groups. Additionally, 46 employees were interviewed through focus groups and one-on-one sessions across nine encounters. The collected data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, interpreting codes and themes related to spatial politics, timing politics and hybrid working culture in the new work environment. Findings Identified themes include individually focused tasks, virtual collaboration, agile working, socialization and urban interaction. These themes are then traced through the conceptual design proposal developed by the interior design team and discussed in relation to their alignment with SDG 8.2 (diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity), SDG 8.4 (improve resource efficiency in consumption and production) and SDG 8.8 (protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers). Research limitations/implications These three targets (for inclusivity and innovation, for environmentally sustainable and for employee well-being) were selected for their relevance in shaping the physical work environment. Originality/value The key finding of this paper is the need for a deeper understanding of economic sustainability in interior design and the contribution of SDG 8 targets on the spatial, temporal and cultural dimensions of new work environments. Brands committed to sustainability must adopt new work models and reimagine their work environments to enhance employee satisfaction and performance, through comprehensive user research and design solutions aligned with SDG 8.

Higher Education Students’ Experiences of Game-Based Learning - Fostering and Hampering Aspects in Virtual Teamwork

The application of digital game-based learning (GBL) methods has lately received more attention in higher education (HE). An extensive body of previous investigations has recognised the potential of instructional games to advance the learning of appropriate work life skills. However, there seems to be a lack of understanding in the current literature regarding the students’ views towards meaningful ways to collaborate in virtual teams during educational activities. The current study is contextualised by a business simulation game and examines university students' experiences through working collaboratively in multi-site teams. In that context, the focus is on the fostering and hampering aspects of virtual collaboration as experienced by the students during the simulation sessions. The study was executed among 66 undergraduate university students in Finland. The data were collected from the students' reflection papers and were then analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. The evidence shows that students experienced fostering and hampering aspects in relation to communication, collaboration, organising, and technology during the simulated sessions. As these are all very typical to modern distributed collaborative work, we may conclude that the GBL course presented in this study provided students with opportunities to experience and rehearse collaborative virtual teamwork in an authentic work context. Our findings highlight the importance of allowing students to practice 21st century skills in an authentic, safe and stimulating environment. Simulation games provide a feasible context for doing so.

INTEGRATING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING MOTIVATION IN STUDENTS

The integration of educational technology into project-based learning (PBL) has revolutionized traditional classrooms, transforming them into dynamic and engaging spaces where students tackle real-world challenges. This paper examines how technology enhances student motivation within PBL frameworks by fostering active engagement, collaboration, and creativity. Tools such as virtual collaboration platforms, multimedia resources, and data analysis software are explored for their role in creating immersive and interactive learning environments. The study also provides practical strategies for effective implementation, supported by real-world case studies that highlight positive outcomes. Findings underscore the significant impact of technology on intrinsic motivation, deeper learning, and academic achievement, while addressing challenges to ensure equitable and effective usage.

Promoting Global Health Knowledge and Cultural Competence of Swedish and Somali Nursing Students Through Collaborative Virtual Seminars: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Engaging nursing students in transdisciplinary learning and collaborative activities will prepare them for future roles in promoting global health knowledge and cultural competence. The purpose of this study was to describe undergraduate nursing students' experiences of participating in collaborative virtual seminars intended to promote global health knowledge and increase cultural competence between a university in Sweden and a university in Somaliland. A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions was conducted. Notably, 27 nursing students who participated in a collaborative virtual seminar were included. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Nursing students reported having gained profound comprehension of and a broadened perspective on global health, cultural awareness, and curiosity crucial for their roles as future global nurses. Fostering global health knowledge and cultural competence among nursing students through collaborative virtual seminars is advantageous as it enhances their cultural competence in nursing.

Remote work and human resource management: Challenges and solutions

The rise of remote work, accelerated by global disruptions and technological advancements, has fundamentally reshaped traditional human resource management (HRM) practices. This study investigates the key challenges that organizations face in managing a remote workforce, including maintaining employee engagement, ensuring effective communication, managing productivity, and addressing mental health concerns. Additionally, the research explores the role of technology in overcoming these challenges, highlighting solutions such as virtual collaboration tools, flexible work policies, and performance monitoring systems. Through an analysis of current HR practices in organizations that have successfully adapted to remote work, this paper identifies best practices and strategic adjustments necessary for HR managers to support a distributed workforce. The findings suggest that while remote work offers flexibility and operational efficiency, it also requires a shift in HR strategies toward building a cohesive virtual work culture, offering ongoing training, and ensuring employee well-being. This research contributes to the understanding of how HRM can evolve to meet the demands of the remote work environment, providing actionable insights for organizations navigating this new paradigm.

Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Blended Learning in a Technology–Enabled Education Environment

Technology integration in education has led to blended learning, a pedagogical approach combining traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical research, this investigation examines the impact of blended learning on both students and educators. It delves into this approach's diverse range of technologies, including Learning Management Systems, video conferencing tools, and digital content platforms. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research identifies the opportunities that arise from adopting blended learning. It investigates the advantages of increased student flexibility, personalised learning experiences, and enhanced access to educational resources. The study explores how interactive content and virtual collaboration tools can boost student engagement and motivation. However, the study also uncovers educators' and students' challenges when implementing blended learning. These obstacles include technology access and proficiency issues, consistent communication, and addressing individual learning needs. The study addresses potential resistance to change from traditional teaching methods and the importance of teacher training and support. It compares students' achievements in blended learning environments with those in traditional classrooms and analyses the role of technology in influencing these outcomes. Based on the findings, the research concludes by providing insights into the future implications of blended learning in technology-enabled education environments. Keywords: Blended Learning; Learning Management System; Technology-enabled learning

Stakeholder Perspectives on the Acceptability, Design, and Integration of Produce Prescriptions for People with Type 2 Diabetes in Australia: A Formative Study.

Produce prescription programs can benefit both individuals and health systems; however, best practices for integrating such programs into the Australian health system are yet unknown. This study explored stakeholders' perspectives on the acceptability, potential design and integration of produce prescription programs for adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 22 participants for an online workshop, representing six stakeholder groups (government, healthcare service, clinician, food retailer, consumer, non-government organisation). Participant responses were gathered through workshop discussions and a virtual collaboration tool (Mural). The workshop was video-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted using a deductive-inductive approach. Stakeholders recognised produce prescription as an acceptable intervention; however, they identified challenges to implementation related to contextuality, accessibility, and sustainability. Stakeholders were vocal about the approach (e.g., community-led) and infrastructure (e.g., screening tools) needed to support program design and implementation but expressed diverse views about potential funding models, indicating a need for further investigation. Aligning evaluation outcomes with existing measures in local, State and Federal initiatives was recommended, and entry points for integration were identified within and outside of the Australian health sector. Our findings provide clear considerations for future produce prescription interventions for people with type 2 diabetes.

Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Technology in Modern Education

Technology has become an integral aspect of people’s lives, which has affected education significantly. This paper explores the transformative role of digital technologies in education, highlighting how technological advancements have enabled students and instructors to transcend traditional classroom barriers. It examines the benefits of tools such as virtual collaboration platforms, AI-driven learning systems, and digital classrooms in enhancing engagement, personalizing education, and providing global access to learning. Despite the benefits, challenges such as unequal access to technology, excessive screen time, and the digital divide remain critical issues. The paper also addresses the shift toward self-paced learning, the integration of AI and big data in customizing educational experiences, and the ongoing need for teacher training in digital tools. As education continues to evolve, the future holds promise for more personalized, data-driven, and inclusive learning environments, though achieving equal access and minimizing health risks are ongoing concerns. Ultimately, digital technologies are reshaping education, offering new opportunities for innovation, engagement, and global connectivity.

Talent Management in the Age of Digital Disruption: Challenges and Opportunities

The rise of digital disruption has fundamentally transformed the landscape of talent management, presenting both challenges and opportunities for organizations. This article examines how businesses are adapting their talent management strategies to cope with the rapid advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the growing prominence of remote work. The study explores the challenges posed by digital disruption, including the widening skills gap, the need for continuous reskilling, and the increasing competition for top talent in a globalized workforce. On the other hand, digital tools also offer opportunities for organizations to enhance their talent acquisition, development, and retention processes. The use of data analytics and AI-powered recruitment tools, for instance, allows for more efficient and data-driven decision-making in hiring and workforce planning. Furthermore, the integration of learning management systems and virtual collaboration tools facilitates employee development and enables organizations to foster a more agile and adaptable workforce. The article presents case studies from various industries, demonstrating how companies are leveraging digital solutions to overcome talent management challenges while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation. The findings suggest that organizations that prioritize digital transformation and align their talent management strategies with technological advancements are better positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and digital-first world.

Leadership in Transition - Transformational and shared leadership in the context of virtual collaboration

Leadership in Transition - Transformational and shared leadership in the context of virtual collaboration

Empowering virtual collaboration: harnessing AI for enhanced teamwork in higher education

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about a significant change in higher education. It has led to the adoption of more digitally advanced and collaborative models. This paper examines the potential of AI in promoting dynamic virtual teamwork and improving the collective experience in the academic world. It discusses how AI tools can be integrated into various sectors of virtual teamwork, such as academic learning, group projects, communication, assessment, research collaboration, administrative efficiency, engagement strategies, and continuous feedback mechanisms. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of AI's role in these areas, showing how AI can personalize learning, facilitate complex group tasks, streamline communication, and provide real-time feedback. Ultimately, this will prepare students for the challenges of the professional world and enhance educational efficacy. The paper evaluates the significance of AI in each sector, offering insights into how higher education institutions can use these technologies to create an environment that fosters advanced virtual collaboration. The paper argues that strategic integration of AI is crucial in equipping students with the necessary skills and competencies for the evolving digital landscape of the 21st century.

Virtual Social Labs – Requirements and Challenges for Effective Team Collaboration

In response to the challenges posed by the complex field of food safety, the FOODSAFETY4EU project established four social labs conducting multi-actor co-creation processes. These labs served as platforms for developing and piloting innovative ideas aimed at addressing these challenges. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the lab process, typically held in-person, had to be converted to the virtual space. This means that all workshops, meetings, and collaboration processes and pilot activities solely took place online. This resulted in the novel situation of teams collaborating virtually throughout the entire social lab processes. Virtual collaborations were already on the rise before the pandemic, evidenced by an increase in virtual meetings and workshops. This study examines the requirements and challenges for effective team collaboration in virtual social lab processes. It investigates virtual collaboration, team dynamics, and the use of online tools. Findings reveal advantages such as increased participation, but also drawbacks including technical issues and role accountability. Despite challenges, all four virtual social labs finally succeeded in engaging diverse stakeholders and achieving significant outcomes addressing food safety challenges.

Who benefits from virtual collaboration? The interplay of team member expertness and Big Five personality traits

This research applies and integrates transactive memory systems (TMS) theory and the Big Five personality traits model to investigate the performance dynamics of dyadic teams engaged in virtual collaborative problem-solving (CPS). Specifically, this study examines how the personal attributes of team members, including their expertness and Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism), as well as the resultant diversity in expertness and Big Five personality traits within teams, influence both team-level and individual-level performance gain from virtual collaboration. Studying 377 dyadic teams composed of 754 individuals working on an online collaborative intellective task, this research found that dyads with high expertness diversity had greater performance gain from virtual collaboration than dyads with low expertness diversity. Further, dyads, where both members scored low on agreeableness, showed the most significant improvement in team performance. At the individual level, a team member who had a low expertness level but was paired with a high-expertness teammate demonstrated the greatest performance gain from virtual collaboration. The integration of TMS theory and the Big Five personality traits model provides a richer and more nuanced understanding of how individual attributes and team dynamics contribute to successful virtual CPS outcomes.

Virtually borderless? Cultural proximity and international collaboration of developers

Are national borders an impediment to online collaboration in the knowledge economy? Unlike in goods trade, knowledge workers can collaborate fully virtually, such that border effects might be eliminated. Here we study collaboration patterns of some 144,000 European developers on the largest online code repository platform, GitHub. To assess the presence of border effects we deploy a gravity model that explains developers’ inter-regional collaboration networks. We find a sizable border effect of −16.4%, which is, however, five to six times smaller than in trade. The border effect is entirely explained by cultural factors such as common language, shared interests, and historical ties. The international border effect in Europe is significantly larger than the state border effect in the US, where cross-border cultural differences are much less pronounced, further strengthening our conjecture that culture is a main driver of the border effect in virtual collaboration.

TRANSFORMATION OF MEDICAL RESEARCH DUE TO AND BEYOND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered various sectors, and the scientific community is no exception. It has reshaped the research landscape across numerous disciplines, profoundly impacting how medical research is conducted, prioritized, and funded. As we move into the post-pandemic world, understanding these transformations is crucial for evaluating shifts in medical research and contemplating their implications for future scientific inquiry. This editorial focuses on the pandemic-driven transformations in medical research, including methodological innovations, changes in research focus, and their implications for future research directions. The need to respond rapidly to a rapidly changing environment has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and remote research methodologies. During lockdowns and periods of social distancing, the continuation of research increasingly relied on virtual collaboration and online data collection. This shift has highlighted how digital technologies can enhance research efficiency and brought attention to the necessity of robust frameworks to address the challenges associated with virtual interactions and remote data collection.