International contributors in information systems, management studies, computer science, and software engineering present frameworks for e-collaboration. The book begins with a preface on the importance of audio communication in distance collaborative work. Later chapters touch on areas such as reference architecture for collaborative environments, case studies of collaboration routines in knowledge-intensive work processes, distance factors affecting the performance of distributed collaboration, and socio-technical influences on virtual research environments. Other subjects considered include communication genres for dispersed real-time collaboration, self-regulation in instant messaging, instant messaging in global software teams, using WarPLS in e-collaboration studies, and mapping the need for mobile collaboration technologies. A final chapter looks at improved information connectivity and visibility throughout the global supply base. Kock is affiliated with Texas A&M University. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)