A method for developing CSCW systems

This paper addresses the issues involved in eliciting and modeling requirements for groupware systems and outlines a method for developing computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) systems. A conceptual framework consisting of five horizontal organizational views (business, group, role, application and system) is described. The method uses an operational research technique called SODA to determine the goals at each level of the framework, and uses three modeling perspectives (process, information and organizational structure) to represent these goals. Use of the method is illustrated using a real-life CSCW system project in a British health authority