D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N

A N D V I RT U A L C O L L A B O R AT I O N

Semester 1, 2024 – Week # 5

British Management University
Module Leader - Dr. Alisher Khasanov
AT T E N D A N C E T E L E G RA M C H A N N E L T O
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H O W D O YO U D E F I N E
D I G I TA L
C O M M U N I C AT I O N ?

P R O V I D E YO U R
E X P L A N AT I O N
Digital communication is the exchange of
information, ideas, and instructions using
electronic devices and networks.

It enables remote work, global collaboration,

and rapid information sharing.

Digital communication has become an

essential tool for modern businesses,
revolutionizing the way teams collaborate
and interact.
 E V O LU T I O N O F D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N
TOOLS
1. Email: One of the earliest and most widely used digital
communication tools.
2. Instant messaging: Real-time text-based communication platforms
(e.g., Telegram, Skype, WhatsApp).
3. Video conferencing: Tools that enable face-to-face communication
over distance (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
4. Collaboration platforms: Tools that facilitate teamwork and
project management (e.g., Slack, Trello).
5. Social media: Platforms for sharing information and connecting
with others (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter).
 K E Y D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N T O O L S

• Synchronous communication: Real-time communication that

occurs simultaneously, such as video conferencing, phone calls, and
instant messaging.

• Examples: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Slack

• Asynchronous communication: Communication that occurs at

different times, such as email, forums, and document sharing.

• Examples: Email, Google Drive, Trello

 K E Y D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N T O O L S

Choosing the right tool: Consider the following factors when

selecting a communication tool:

• Need for real-time interaction: Synchronous tools are better for

immediate collaboration and discussions.

• Need for asynchronous communication: Asynchronous tools are

better for tasks that don't require immediate responses or for team
members in different time zones.

• Level of formality: Some tools are more formal than others (e.g.,
email vs. instant messaging).
 C O L L A B O RAT I O N P L AT F O R M S
Collaboration platforms: Platforms that facilitate teamwork and
project management.

Popular collaboration platforms:

1. Slack: A messaging app with features like channels, direct

messages, and file sharing.

2. Trello: A visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and
cards to organize tasks.

3. Microsoft Teams: A platform that integrates messaging, video

conferencing, file sharing, and other collaboration tools.
 C O L L A B O RAT I O N P L AT F O R M S

Features of collaboration platforms:

• File sharing: Easily share documents, files, and other resources.

• Task management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.

• Integrated communication: Combine messaging, video

conferencing, and other communication tools in one platform.

• Search and organization: Efficiently search for information and

organize your work.
 B E N E F I T S O F V I RT U A L C O L L A B O RAT I O N

1. Flexibility: Virtual teams can work from anywhere, providing

greater flexibility and work-life balance.

2. Increased accessibility: Virtual collaboration allows teams to work

together across geographic boundaries and time zones.

3. Cost-effectiveness: Virtual teams can reduce travel costs and

improve efficiency.

4. Diversity of perspectives: Virtual teams can bring together

individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
 C H A L L E N G E S O F V I RT U A L C O L L A B O RAT I O N
1. Miscommunication: Lack of nonverbal cues and potential language
barriers can lead to misunderstandings.

2. Lack of engagement: It can be more difficult to maintain

engagement and motivation in virtual teams.

3. Time zone differences: Coordinating schedules and

communication can be challenging when team members are in
different time zones.

4. Technology issues: Technical difficulties can disrupt communication

and productivity.
S T R AT E G I E S F O R E F F E C T I V E V I RT U A L C O L L A B O R AT I O N

1. Set clear communication guidelines: Establish expectations for

communication frequency, response times, and preferred
communication channels.

2. Use video conferencing regularly: Video conferencing can help

build relationships and reduce miscommunication.

3. Schedule regular check-ins: Schedule regular meetings or check-

ins to stay connected and aligned.
S T R AT E G I E S F O R E F F E C T I V E V I RT U A L C O L L A B O R AT I O N

4. Build trust and rapport: Foster trust and rapport among team
members through regular communication and collaboration.

5. Provide clear expectations and goals: Ensure that team members

understand their roles, responsibilities, and the team's objectives.

6. Address technical issues promptly: Have a plan for addressing

technical difficulties and resolving them quickly.
 C U LT U RA L I M PA C T O N D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N
1. Communication styles: Different cultures have different
communication styles, which can affect how people use and interpret
digital communication tools.

• For example, some cultures may prefer a more direct and assertive
style, while others may prefer a more indirect and subtle approach.

2. Expectations: Expectations for communication speed, formality, and

responsiveness can vary across cultures.

• For example, some cultures may expect a quick response to emails,

while others may be more patient.
 C U LT U RA L I M PA C T O N D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N

3. Use of emojis and emoticons: The use of emojis and emoticons

can vary across cultures, with some cultures finding them appropriate
and others finding them unprofessional.

4. Privacy and data sharing: Attitudes towards privacy and data

sharing can differ across cultures. Some cultures may be more
concerned about privacy than others.
 E X A M P L E S O F C R O S S - C U LT U R A L D I F F E R E N C E S

1. Direct vs. indirect communication: In some cultures, it is

considered appropriate to be direct and assertive in digital
communication, while in others, a more indirect approach is preferred.

• For example, in American business culture, it is common to be direct

and to the point in emails, while in Japanese culture, a more indirect
approach may be preferred.
 E X A M P L E S O F C R O S S - C U LT U R A L D I F F E R E N C E S

2. Formality: The level of formality in digital communication can vary

across cultures.

• For example, greetings and titles: In many Western cultures, it's

common to use first names and informal greetings in professional
settings. However, in more hierarchical cultures like those in Asia,
formal titles and honorifics are often used. For example, in Japan, it's
common to address individuals by their last name and title (e.g., "Mr.
Tanaka").
 E X A M P L E S O F C R O S S - C U LT U R A L D I F F E R E N C E S

3. Privacy concerns: Attitudes towards privacy and data sharing can

differ across cultures.

For example, some cultures may be more comfortable sharing personal

information online, while others may have strong privacy concerns.
BREAK 20 MIN
Seminar
Activities
A C T I V I T Y 1 : S I M U L AT I O N O F A V I RT U A L T E A M M E E T I N G
1. Students in a groups of 4-5 will choose a digital platform (e.g., Zoom,
Microsoft Teams, Slack) to conduct their virtual meeting.
2. Each team will be provided with a scenario that requires them to
collaborate virtually.
3. Each team member will be assigned a specific role (e.g., team leader,
project manager, researcher) to simulate a real-world virtual team
dynamic.
4. Teams will conduct a 15–20-minute virtual meeting using their chosen
platform. Students should use various features of the platform, such as
screen sharing, chat functions, and breakout rooms.
5. During the meeting, students should focus on effective
communication, decision-making, and collaboration.
6. After the simulation, each team will discuss the challenges they
encountered during the virtual meeting, such as technical issues,
miscommunication, or difficulty in engaging team members.
S C E N A R I O 1 : P L A N N I N G A N E W M A R K E T I N G C A M PA I G N
1. Your team works for a digital marketing agency that has been hired by a client to
launch a new product. The team needs to plan a marketing campaign that includes
social media, email marketing, and influencer partnerships. The client expects the
campaign to be innovative and targeted at young adults.
2. Roles:
• Team Leader: Oversees the meeting, ensures that the discussion stays on track,
and helps resolve any conflicts.
• Marketing Strategist: Proposes the overall strategy for the campaign, including
the target audience, key messages, and channels.
• Social Media Specialist: Focuses on the social media component of the campaign,
suggesting platforms, content ideas, and engagement strategies.
• Content Creator: Responsible for developing content ideas, including visuals and
copy, that align with the campaign’s objectives.
• Client Liaison: Ensures that the team’s ideas align with the client’s expectations
and prepares to present the final plan to the client.
3. Objective: During the virtual meeting, the team needs to develop a cohesive
marketing campaign plan. They should discuss and agree on the campaign’s
strategy, content, and channels, and assign specific tasks to each team member for
implementation.
 S C E N A R I O 2 : S O LV I N G A P R O D U C T Q U A L I T Y I S S U E
1. Your team works for a consumer electronics company that has recently received
customer complaints about a new product. The complaints are focused on the
product’s durability and battery life. The team needs to investigate the issue,
propose solutions, and decide on a plan of action.
2. Roles:
• Team Leader: Manages the meeting, ensures that everyone’s input is considered,
and leads the decision-making process.
• Product Engineer: Provides technical insights into the product’s design and
potential causes of the quality issues.
• Quality Assurance Specialist: Analyzes customer feedback and test results to
identify patterns and root causes of the complaints.
• Customer Service Manager: Shares insights from customer interactions and
suggests ways to address customer concerns.
• Operations Manager: Focuses on the feasibility of proposed solutions, including
the cost and time required for implementation.
3. Objective: The team needs to collaborate to identify the root cause of the product
quality issue and propose a solution that addresses the problem. They should also
develop a communication plan for informing customers and mitigating any potential
damage to the company’s reputation.
 S C E N A R I O 3 : P R E PA R I N G A P R E S E N TAT I O N F O R A N E W
BUSINESS PROPOSAL
1. Your team is preparing a presentation for a new business proposal to pitch to a
potential client. The proposal involves a comprehensive strategy for expanding the
client’s business into a new market. The presentation needs to cover market
research, the proposed strategy, financial projections, and an implementation plan.
2. Roles:
• Team Leader: Coordinates the meeting, ensures that all aspects of the proposal are
covered, and prepares to present the final pitch.
• Market Research Analyst: Presents the findings from market research, including
market size, competition, and customer demographics.
• Strategic Planner: Develops and presents the proposed market entry strategy,
including positioning, marketing, and sales plans.
• Financial Analyst: Prepares and presents financial projections, including revenue
forecasts, cost estimates, and break-even analysis.
• Project Manager: Outlines the implementation plan, including timelines,
milestones, and resource allocation.
3. Objective: The team needs to collaborate to create a cohesive and persuasive
presentation. They should discuss and agree on the key points to include in the
presentation, allocate tasks for creating the slides, and practice delivering the pitch.
 S C E N A R I O 4 : D E V E L O P I N G A C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L
1. Your team has been
R E Stasked
P O N Swith
I B Ideveloping
L I T Y ( CaSnew
R ) Corporate
I N I T I ATSocial
I V E Responsibility
(CSR) initiative for your company, which operates in the fashion industry. The
initiative should focus on sustainability and community engagement. The team
needs to create a plan that includes specific projects, partnerships, and metrics for
success.
2. Roles:
• Team Leader: Guides the meeting, ensures that the discussion remains focused,
and oversees the development of the final plan.
• Sustainability Expert: Proposes environmentally sustainable practices and projects
that the company can implement in its supply chain and operations.
• Community Relations Manager: Suggests ways to engage with local
communities, including partnerships with NGOs, volunteer programs, and
educational initiatives.
• Communications Specialist: Develops a plan for promoting the CSR initiative both
internally and externally, including branding and messaging.
• Data Analyst: Identifies key metrics for measuring the success of the initiative and
proposes a framework for tracking and reporting progress.
3. Objective: The team needs to develop a comprehensive CSR plan that aligns with
the company’s values and goals. They should discuss and agree on the specific
projects to include, how to engage stakeholders, and how to measure the initiative’s
impact.
S C E N A R I O 5 : D E S I G N I N G A V I RT U A L T R A I N I N G P R O G R A M
1. Your team works for a multinational company that is planning to roll out a new virtual
training program for employees. The training program will focus on enhancing digital
literacy and remote work skills. The team needs to design the program, including the
content, delivery methods, and evaluation criteria.
2. Roles:
• Team Leader: Facilitates the meeting, ensures that all team members contribute,
and oversees the finalization of the training program.
• Training Specialist: Proposes the content for the training program, including key
topics, learning objectives, and resources.
• Instructional Designer: Focuses on the design and delivery methods of the
training program, including online modules, webinars, and interactive activities.
• HR Manager: Ensures that the training program aligns with company policies and
addresses the needs of different employee groups.
• IT Support Specialist: Identifies the technical requirements for delivering the
training program, including platforms, tools, and support mechanisms.
3. Objective: The team needs to collaborate to design an effective virtual training
program that meets the company’s needs. They should discuss and agree on the
program’s content, delivery methods, and evaluation criteria, and develop a plan for
implementation.
 ACTIVITY 2: GROUP DISCUSSION ON CROSS-
C U LT U RA L D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N
1. Students in groups of 3-4 will be assigned with a different cultural
context to discuss (e.g., East Asia, Western Europe, Latin America).
2. Each group will discuss how digital communication tools are used in
their assigned culture, focusing on communication styles, preferred
platforms, and challenges in virtual collaboration.
3. For example, in some cultures, email might be preferred for formal
communication, while others may favor instant messaging for quick
responses.
4. Each group will present their findings to the class, highlighting key
cultural differences and how these might impact business
END OF WEEK 7 SEMINAR

EMAIL ME:
AKHAS [email protected]