Minicase 1-3 CALIFORNIA STATE GOVERNMENT: TELECOMMUTING - ANSWERS
1. Possible opportunities for firms for
a) white-collar workers in human resource department
planning events for employees
reviewing employee benefits
b) field sales reps
transmitting orders to the office
checking on price/availability of stock
checking on customer account information
checking on customer order information
c) data entry clerks
processing changes in status for employees (raises, promotions, transfers, and so on.)
2. a) White collar workers in the human resource department would each need a
computer and modem, either purchased by the company or the employee.
Telephone lines are necessary for the network connections. Transmission
speed on telephone connections is relatively slow. In addition, security
may be a problem, since employees' families and friends may have access
to the equipment. Software to run each connection would have to be
purchased and kept up to date. The advantages would include the reduced
necessity of employees' commuting, more flexibility, and less office
space required by the complany.
b) Field sales representatives would have to be supplied with portable
computers equipped with modems and appropriate software. The cost may
have to be borne by either the employess or the company. Software to
manage the additional communications will be required at the company's
main computer. Security will be an issue, since a portable computer has
a higher chance of being used by unauthorized persons. Policies will have
to be established to deal with theft of equipment and theft of data.
Advantages for the sales representatives will be the fast response time
using their own computers, and less need to spend time in the office.
c) Data entry clerks would have to be supplied with equipment or purchase
their own. This equipment includes the computers, modem, and software
for the connection. In addition, space would have to be made available
at the employee's home for this equipment. Telephone lines may have to
be leased in order to enable quick response. Advantages for these
employees include more flexibility in work hours and less commuting time.
Disadvantages may be the lack of contact with co-workers and supervisors
and the necessity for additional security procedures.
3. Advantages
a) for telecommuter
flexible schedule
less travel/commute time
b) for company
less office space required
less likelihood of lateness and absenteeism
possible higher morale among workers
Disadvantages
a) for telecommuter
"hidden" work hours (may end up working longer)
isolation from other workers
high cost (if paying for own equipment and software)
less visibility to superiors in organization
b) for company
harder to supervise workers
security problems when remote access is allowed to data
training requirements may be a high cost
4. Block:
a. No changes in organizational reward system (rewards based on visible
work, "out of sight, out of mind").
b. No way for managers to evaluate employees who are not on-site.
c. Cost of start-up is high (equipment, room in employee's home, etc.)
d. Cost of initial training is high.
e. Cost of telecommunications services.
f. Morale and isolation problems of employees.
Promote:
a. Cost of travel becomes more expensive.
b. Cost of telecommunications shrinks even more.
c. Cost of telecommunications equipment goes down.
d. Telecommunications services and infrastructure improve.
e. Organizations and work are redesigned.
Answers to questions 7-9 on page 30
7. a. data communications
b. no telecommunications
c. data communications
d. voice communications
e. data communications
f. data communications
g. data and voice communications
h. data and voice communications
i. data and voice communications, if the officer checks the driver's
license with the central computer before issuing citation
8. Phone companies may vary according to location. Depending on the country,
these could be a PTT (post, telephone, and telegraph).
9. a. LAN
b. WAN
c. WAN
d. WAN
e. WAN
f. WAN