bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enterprise Alignment and the Challenge for Organization Development
Authors: Cameron Brian H. , Knight Shaun C.
Published: May 2011

In today’s global, hyper-competitive business environment, enterprise alignment is a top concern with senior management. With mergers, global joint ventures, outsourcing/ off-shoring, and increased global competition, organizations are struggling with a host of enterprise alignment issues, particularly around information technology (IT) strategy alignment. Well-aligned systems and processes can provide an organization with a powerful source of competitive advantage. According to Gartner Group, the number one concern of business and IT professions world-wide is the alignment of IT and business strategies. Unfortunately, according to Whittle and Myrick (2005), less than 10% of the Global 2000 have well integrated systems that are aligned with the strategy of the business. In addition, according to Worren, Ruddle, and Moore (1999), organization development (OD) efforts are also often misaligned with the strategy of the business. These strategic misalignments are becoming an increasing concern to senior management and are areas of opportunity for OD and IT organizations.
The Human Resource Implications of Computers
Authors: Reynolds Rosemarie , Fedorovich Shirley , Williams Michael
Published: May 2011

Although emerging computer technologies impact every aspect of human resource management, there is a considerable gap between research focusing on the technological aspects of computer technologies, and the human resource impacts. This chapter focuses on emerging trends in computer technologies, and the human resource management implications of these technologies
Intercultural Competences as a Trust Factor in Virtual Team Work
Authors: Aneas Maria Assumpta
Published: May 2011

Globalization is increasingly having a visible impact on the importance attached to interculturality in organizations, an impact which is even clearer in the context of virtual teamwork. Virtual teamwork is defined by Simsarian (2006) as a process whereby a group of people with a common purpose carry out interdependent tasks using technology as the key communicational interface. This phenomenon has both positive and negative aspects in that, on the one hand, it can produce a significant increase in the productivity, value added, and profitability associated with the deployment of organizational resources, whilst on the other it can lead to growing uncertainty, tension, and a feeling of failure among team members if they are not adequately prepared and trained. Just one illustration of the costs to organizations of ignoring the growing importance of intercultural communication is offered by Wederspalhn (2002) who highlights the conclusion reached in 2000 by the American Society for Training and Development that “American companies suffer losses of over $2.5 billion annually as a result of the inadequate training and preparation of employees sent overseas.”
The Planning Fallacy and Utilization of Human Resources Information Systems
Authors: Othman Siti Zubaidah
Published: May 2011

Reasons for the low level usage of human resource information systems (HRIS) have been examined from various perspectives in the HRIS literature including organizational size, the HRIS’s time in use, culture, strategy, power, politics, and IT skills (Ball, 2001), but these do not include any attempt at studying the decision making aspect during project planning and the consequent impact on the level or type of usage of HRIS. In this article, the role of planning in ensuring consistent and high quality use of HRIS is discussed. Also, the article emphasizes methods for improving the HRIS planning process by understanding the factors that might promote feasible and successful HRIS projects.
The Role of Lifelong Learning in the Creation of a European Knowledge-Based Society
Authors: Ramalho Correia Ana Maria , Mesquita Anabela
Published: May 2011

The dominant discourse in education and training policies, at the turn of the millennium, was on lifelong learning (LLL) in the context of a knowledge-based society. As Green points (2002, pp. 611-612) several factors contribute to this global trend: The demographic change: In most advanced countries, the average age of the population is increasing, as people live longer; The effects of globalisation: Including both economic restructuring and cultural change which have impacts on the world of education; Global economic restructuring: Which causes, for example, a more intense demand for a higher order of skills; the intensified economic competition, forcing a wave of restructuring and creating enormous pressure to train and retrain the workforce In parallel, the “significance of the international division of labour cannot be underestimated for higher education”, as pointed out by Jarvis (1999, p. 250). This author goes on to argue that globalisation has exacerbated differentiation in the labour market, with the First World converting faster to a knowledge economy and a service society, while a great deal of the actual manufacturing is done elsewhere.
Using Collaborative Technology in Group Facilitation
Authors: Córdoba José-Rodrigo
Published: May 2011

It has not been long since the use of information technologies and systems has pervaded group processes inn organizations. There is a vast amount of literature that suggests that software tools are beneficial to groups, although there are still questions about what appropriate combination of tool/ human support is required to achieve efficiency and efficacy in electronically-mediated meetings (DeSanctis & Gallupe, 1987; Dickson, Partridge, & Robinson, 1993; Niederman, Beise, & Beranek, 1996; Nunamaker, Dennis, Valacich, Vogel, & George, 1991). (Un)fortunately in this literature, one can find several terms of the technology available, including group decision support systems (GDSS), group support systems (GSS), groupware, computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), Web-based meeting tools, blogs, wikis, RSS, and so forth. The current availability of technology tools (i.e., browsers, electronic forums, discussion groups, chat rooms, etc.) and their increasing pervasiveness at work creates opportunities to share information and help people to perform their jobs either individually or collectively. For those individuals and groups using collaborative technology, there are opportunities and challenges that need to be considered in relation to aspects like the creation and dissemination of information, decentralized authoring, and centralized control (Castells, 2001; Evans & Wolf, 2006; Wilkins, 2006). To date, an important number of tools have evolved from their name as “GDSS” (as they were named during the 90s) and can be described as collaborative, as they provide support group activities across departments and geographical locations. Often, these activities aim to achieve a particular outcome in a business (e.g., a decision, a product). In this regard, technologies being offered still have many of the features of group support systems or electronic meeting systems (EMS) (Nunamaker et al., 1991), because they enable people to come together “whether at the same place at the same time, or in different places at different times” (p. 41) and (re)generate ideas and organize and priorities them (Ibid). For the purposes of this chapter, we will focus on the support that can be available by collaborative technology to group meetings and facilitation. Whether these meetings result in decisions being implemented or goods being designed or manufactured is out of the scope of our discussion. To begin with, we now show different dimensions of support that collaborative technologies can offer to individual and group interactions.
Utility Analysis of HRM Effectiveness
Authors: Carretero-Gómez José M.
Published: May 2011

Within the field of human resource management (HRM) there is a broad consensus recognizing that people is one of the key resources that impact companies’ results. During the last two decades, it is also true that HR departments have experienced a rising in its organizational status with their functions evolving from a merely operational level to a strategic one. Nonetheless, HR departments still face a disadvantage to show the contribution of their interventions when compared to other functional departments within the organization. In this article we study two particular techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of HRM, utility analysis (UA) and multi-attribute utility analysis (MAU). Particularly, we apply them to evaluate an e-training program.
Business-to-Business Networks
Authors: Eom Sean
Published: May 2011

Business-to-business networks in a broadest sense are inter-organizational systems (IOSs). In the literature, the term IOSs and inter-organizational information systems (IOISs) are often used interchangeably. An inter-organizational system (IOS) is an information and management system that transcends organizational boundaries via electronic linkages with its trading partners to share data, information, and business applications. It provides the capabilities of electronic transactions including buying and selling goods and services, and also facilitates communications and decision making to increase efficiency, effectiveness, competitiveness, and profitability for participating organizations. The electronic linkage is established by the Internet, extranets, intranets, groupware, electronic data interchange (EDI), workflow systems, mobile communication technologies, and other information and communication technologies.
Campus as a Framework for a Networked University
Authors: Morales Josep Cobarsí
Published: May 2011

Electronics-based information networks have brought widespread transformations in the way information flows in university campuses, to such a degree that the expression “campus information system” is usually equivalent to “campus electronic networked information system.” Universities are highly decentralised organizations, so managing corporate electronic information resources poses challenges such as finding an optimal degree of standardisation or the global orientation of corporate information resources (Cornford, 2000). These challenges were less of a problem when using paper and in face-to-face campuses. Likewise, external pressures due to the rise of the network society pose questions about the role of universities. These questions affect the concept of information systems. Thus, it is time to review the conceptual framework for campus information systems, focusing on strategic information management of higher education institutions in networked environments. Characterisation is established and discussed, with special attention paid to students as the main users of campus information systems.
Characterization and Classification of Collaborative Tools
Authors: Soriano Javier , Fernández Rafael , Jiménez Miguel
Published: May 2011

Traditionally, collaboration has been a means for organizations to do their work. However, the context in which they do this work is changing, especially in regards to where the work is done, how the work is organized, who does the work, and with this the characteristics of collaboration. Software development is no exception; it is itself a collaborative effort that is likewise affected by these changes. In the context of both open source software development projects and communities and organizations that develop corporate products, more and more developers need to communicate and liaise with colleagues in geographically distant places about the software product they are conceiving, designing, building, testing, debugging, deploying and maintaining. Thus, work teams face sizeable collaborative challenges, for which they have need of tools that they can use to communicate and coordinate their work efficiently.
Self-Modelling Knowledge Networks
Authors: Derballa Volker , Albani Atonia
Published: May 2011

The necessity for managing knowledge is stressed by wide array of recent publications ranging from information science to strategic management substantiating their proposition with the tremendous changes in the context organisations that are operating today. Although knowledge management (KM) literature and research projects are increasingly extending their attention from intra-organisational to inter-organisational aspects (e.g., Seufert, Back, & van Krogh, 2000; Alpar & Kalmring, 2001; Schmaltz & Hagenhof, 2003 ), the question of how inter-organisational knowledge management can be realised is up to now not sufficiently answered (Carlsson, 2003). That is even more true for virtual enterprises, as the following specific characteristics need to be considered: short-term focus; focus on information and communication technology; decentralised information systems; and distributed ownership. As a solution approach catering for the issues mentioned above, a prototype of a system called “selfmodelling knowledge networks” is introduced. Self-modelling knowledge networks could provide a mechanism that facilitates flexible knowledge retrieval across several nodes in networked and virtual enterprises. Thus, this approach is ideally suited for situations where knowledge resources need to be combined in a flexible way and several levels of the network are comprised.
Surveying Trust in Virtual Organizations
Authors: Mezgár Istvan
Published: May 2011

Based on the results of the information and communications technologies (ICT), a new “digital” economy is arising. This new economy needs a new set of rules and values, which determine the behaviour of its actors. Participants in the digital market realize that traditional attitudes and perspectives in doing business need to be redefined. In this dynamic and turbulent environment that requires flexible and fast responses to changing business needs organizations have to respond by adopting decentralized, team-based, and distributed structures variously described in the literature as virtual-, networked-, cluster- and resilient virtual organizations (VO). One main aspect of this approach is that organizations in this environment are networked, that is inter-linked on various levels through the use of different networking technologies.
Strategic Planning for Electronic Resource Management
Authors: Bothmann Robert L. , Holmberg Melissa
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses electronic resource management from the perspectives of planning, policy, and workflow issues experienced by libraries. Many libraries attempt to transfer and incorporate the print workflow onto electronic resource management. The result is a feeling of chaos and lack of control. The challenges, methods, and impacts on electronic resource management perceived by libraries are described. The authors suggest methods and ideas to address these topics that may help libraries create a sense of order for electronic resource management.
Using Cyberspace to Promote Transformative Learning Experiences and Consequently Democracy in the Workplace
Authors: Ritke-Jones William F.
Published: May 2011

This chapter will explain transformative learning and its value and application to corporate training practices by promoting critical reflection on one’s “frames of reference.” This critical reflection can help one to challenge cultural and social assumptions, potentially leading the person to more democratic ways of thinking and behaving in the workplace. Cyberspace offers a unique and potentially powerful place to employ transformative learning practices, and along with explaining transformative learning, this chapter will explore how cyberspace can be used for this kind of learning. This chapter will also posit that new cyberspace environments such as Wiki’s and Second Life hold tremendous promise as transformative learning spaces because they invite small group collaboration.
Instructional Design and E-Training
Authors: Sweeny Julia D.
Published: May 2011

Online training or, e-training, can be less expensive, more efficient, and more productive than traditional face-to-face instruction. This chapter reviews why businesses are adopting Web-based instruction, characteristics of exemplary e-trainers and skills online instructors must attain. The primary focus of the chapter is on the importance of instructional design in analyzing the online audience and context; developing instructional strategies and online materials; implementing a Web-based course; and evaluating an online training program. Future trends and a conclusion complete the chapter.
Writing Research into Professional E-Mail Communication
Authors: Edwards Kristie , Yates Simeon , Dujardin Anne-Florence , Green Geff
Published: May 2011

A healthy balance between social and task-oriented activities helps teamwork. In virtual teams, e-mail texts must often carry both task-oriented and socio-emotional communication between individuals. While some theories of computer-mediated communication suggest socio-emotional exchange may not be well supported in e-mail communications, research demonstrates that individuals, nevertheless, achieve this. However, the lack of unplanned informal exchanges in virtual teams communicating by e-mail may still hinder team performance. We compared adaptations in socio-emotional content of e-mail communications in academic and commercial team writing contexts. Results suggested a task-oriented focus in the commercial team culture and an even social-task balance in the academic team culture. Our research leads us to recommend a more conversational style in professional e-mail writing. Additionally in virtual team working, we recommend encouraging face-to-face contact, allocating time specifically for social exchanges and making information about colleagues available to each other.
Using Virtual Worlds to Assist Distributed Teams
Authors: Bowers Clint , Smith Peter A. , Cannon-Bowers Jan , Nicholson Denise
Published: May 2011

Virtual worlds and massively multiplayer online games are becoming a useful tool for distributed teams. From providing a common working place, to allowing members of the team to interact in a physical albeit virtual form, virtual worlds are setting a new standard for tools to facilitate interactions between members of distributed teams. This chapter explores the ways in which virtual worlds could support interactive teams at a greater fidelity then that of the previous generation of groupware tools using a popular virtual world, Second Life as an example. While providing specific examples of how Second Life’s current and planned feature sets could already support distributed teams, that is, teams whose members are geographically disbursed. New features that would provide additional support for these types of teams are also discussed.
An Evaluation of a Listening Comprehension Program
Authors: Puakpong Nattaya
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the effect of an individualized Computer-Enhanced Language Learning Listening Comprehension Program (MMExplore) on students’ listening comprehension ability in the context of learning English as a Foreign Language in the Thai University system. MMExplore is an audio-visual media browser which is designed to provide learners with a wide variety of ways to interact with authentic listening texts. In 2003, MMExplore was used by twenty first year students of the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand for a period of fifteen weeks with a minimum of four hours of training per week to evaluate the effect of this program on student performance. Various forms of evaluation, both qualitative and quantitative, were used. The findings of this research suggest that (a) there is an observable gain in students listening comprehension ability in English after training; and (b) the majority of the students were favourably towards this program.
System-on-Chip Design of the Whirlpool Hash Function
Authors: Kitsos Paris
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, a system-on-chip design of the newest powerful standard in the hash families, named Whirlpool, is presented. With more details an architecture and two very large-scale integration (VLSI) implementations are presented. The first implementation is suitable for high speed applications while the second one is suitable for applications with constrained silicon area resources. The architecture permits a wide variety of implementation tradeoffs. Different implementations have been introduced and each specific application can choose the appropriate speed-area, trade-off implementation. The implementations are examined and compared in the security level and in the performance by using hardware terms. Whirlpool with RIPEMD, SHA-1, and SHA-2 hash functions are adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/IEC, 2003) 10118-3 standard. The Whirlpool implementations allow fast execution and effective substitution of any previous hash families’ implementations in any cryptography application.
Performance Measurement in Innovation Processes
Authors: Strickman Jan , Hahn Axel , Häusler Stefan , Hausmann Kevin
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a new approach for performance measurement in product development and innovation processes. It shows that there is a great need in practice to increase the efficiency of product development processes because existing approaches are not sufficient to give enough information about a running project. These approaches both from science and industry are analysed and a new attempt is introduced that aims at the integration of concrete project data with information about the product by using Semantic Web technologies. Furthermore, the authors want to show that there is an emerging gap between productivity increase and the complexity of product development processes. This will be a challenge in the future and has high potential for research that has to be done in close cooperation with industry.
How to Align Software Projects with Business Strategy
Authors: Ricardo Parés Arce Gustavo
Published: May 2011

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing a great challenge that consists of using all the opportunities technology can offer in order to help improve their productivity, geographical reach, and reinvent or complement their business models. Those companies that are not capable of using technology in order to become more competitive will face new threats because nowadays SME companies need to compete with companies not only in the same geographic area, but also need to compete with new products and services that change business rules faster than ever. The main purpose of this chapter is to provide a methodological framework to promote strategic alignment and improve execution through a better communication and understanding about IT projects that will help entrepreneurs and managers to make better IT investment decisions in order to offer a competitive edge to their companies through a better management of the strategic IT portfolio.
The Scholarly Literature on E-Government
Authors: Norris Donald , Lloyd Benjamin A.
Published: May 2011

The authors conducted a comprehensive review of articles on the subject of e-government that were published in refereed scholarly journals through the end of 2004 to serve as a baseline for future analysis of this emerging field. They found over 100 e-government articles, but only 57 with empirical content. The authors then examined the articles using 12 analytical categories. They conclude that the scholarship about e-government comes primarily from the United States, and from authors trained in the social sciences. Few e-government articles adequately used the literatures that were available (e.g., IT and government, e-government, or any specialized literatures), and few created or tested theory or hypotheses. Articles employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, but many contained conclusions that were not supported by their data or analyses. The authors conclude that e-government research is a young and growing field that has yet to achieve adequate scholarly rigor.
Addressing Contextual Issues in Knowledge Management
Authors: Okunoye Adekunle , Bertaux Nancy
Published: May 2011

Cultural diversity and wide disparities in the extent of up-to-date infrastructure make managing knowledge challenging in developing countries, even as the urgent human needs in these countries makes knowledge management (KM) especially valuable as a tool in economic and human development. Cultural diversity and infrastructural gap issues are also related to a variety of government, educational, political, social and economic factors. These environmental factors interact with organizational variables and information technology to enable or constrain knowledge management processes in the creation and protection of knowledge resources. Case studies in India, The Gambia, and Nigeria are used to develop an empirically grounded contextual framework of knowledge management (KM). This guiding framework is intended to help organizations address contextual issues in knowledge management, leading to better preparation, implementation and assessment of KM projects.
Introduction to Structure of Knowledge
Authors: Mitra Amit , Gupta Amar
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the concept of Metamodel of Knowledge. The chapter: • Defines knowledge and introduces the concept of the atomic rule as the building block of knowledge. • Describes the need for coordinating business knowledge, the difficulty of doing so, and how normalization of knowledge can facilitate its coordination and lead to the development of agile software. • Introduces the concepts that show how knowledge can be normalized and assembled from components. • Introduces the concept of a business process and services as derivatives of business knowledge • Introduces the concept of modeling of behavior. • Introduces the problem of multiple clashing perspectives of reality from which knowledge is assembled.
Mentoring Knowledge Workers
Authors: Heavin Ciara , Neville Karen
Published: May 2011

In an economic environment where organizations have been forced to take a step back and reevaluate their core competencies and ability to innovate, organizational knowledge has come to the forefront as a valuable strategic asset (Haghirian, 2003). While the concept of knowledge management (KM) is not new, the focus on knowledge management as a strategy has increased in recent times as organizations realize the importance of knowledge as an intangible asset contributing to the enhancement of competitive advantage (Bolloju, 2000). In the 21st century, it is believed that successful companies are those that effectively acquire, create, retain, deploy, and leverage knowledge (Cecez-Kecmanovic, 2000). Knowledge work is the ability to create an understanding of nature, organizations, and processes, and to apply this understanding as a means of generating wealth in the organization (Boland & Tenkasi, 1995). Evidently, the focus on knowledge management as a strategy has become central to organizations (Davenport & Prusak, 1998). Ichijo, Von Krogh, and Nonaka (1998) view knowledge as a resource that is unique and imperfectly imitable, allowing firms to sustain a competitive advantage. Additionally, knowledge management as a formalized organizational strategy is supported; it should not be left unintentional to become unsystematic and random (Ichijo et al.). This article provides an example of knowledge workers and experts collaborating to implement successful training and learning programmes to support knowledge-management activities in their organization. The authors hope that the case discussed will inform researchers of an appropriate model in designing an interactive learning environment that enables a positive knowledge-sharing environment and in turn contributes to the growth of an organization’s memory.
Stages of Knowledge Management Systems
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

Knowledge management systems refer to a class of information systems applied to manage organizational knowledge. These systems are IT applications to support and enhance the organizational processes of knowledge creation, storage and retrieval, transfer, and application (Alavi & Leidner, 2001). The knowledge management technology stage model presented in this chapter is a multistage model proposed for organizational evolution over time. Stages of knowledge management technology are a relative concept concerned with IT’s ability to process information for knowledge work. The knowledge management technology stage model consists of four stages (Gottschalk, 2005). When applied to law enforcement in the following chapters, the stages are labeled officer-to-technology, officer-to-officer, officer-to-information, and officer-to-application.
Integrated QFD and Knowledge Management System for the Development of Common Product Platform
Authors: Chung Walter W.C. , Tam Colin K.S. , Chan Michael F.S.
Published: May 2011

This paper provides a framework to implement quality function deployment (QFD) with knowledge management (KM) in the form of an integrated quality and knowledge management system (IQKS). This inter-organizational information system enables the sharing of information among customers, manufacturers and suppliers in the new product development process. It links up various strategically independent and autonomous business entities together in a common product platform (CPP). Up to now little has been published academically on sharing vital information involving the give-away of a firm’s bargaining position about customers, product specification and process requirement. The common product platform facilitates an innovative organization to persuade like-minds in coming together and opening up useful and relevant information to all parties interested in creating a new level of competitive advantage in assessing the dynamics of market realities. They share knowledge and learn to support new organizational capabilities to leverage information technology that incorporate market knowledge, design knowledge, process knowledge and production knowledge.
Knowledge Management in Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Abraham Dolphy M. , Leon Linda
Published: May 2011

This article reviews current research and practice of knowledge management (KM) and inter-organizational learning in supply chain networks. Knowledge management is the organizational process for acquiring, organizing, and communicating the knowledge of individual employees so that the work of the organization becomes more effective (Alavi & Leidner, 1999). Knowledge management is an increasingly important process in business organizations because “managing human intellect—and converting it into useful products and services—is fast becoming the critical executive skill of the age” (Quinn, Anderson & Finkelstein, 1998). Grover and Davenport (2001) state that KM becomes “an integral business function” when organizations “realize that competitiveness hinges on effective management of intellectual resources.” Grover and Davenport also argue that knowledge management works best when it is carried out by all the employees of the organization and not just KM specialists. Business organizations frequently partner with other firms to complement their core competencies. To collaborate effectively, partner firms have to communicate with each other information about business processes as well as share ideas of how to design or improve business processes. This phenomenon of knowledge sharing across organizational boundaries is called inter-organizational learning (Argote, 1999). Knowledge management, we posit, is necessary to facilitate inter-organizational learning and direct it in a way that supports the organization’s overall objectives. Supply chain systems are an example of business networks. Supply chains involve not only multiple corporate entities but also organizational units within a single organization. We present practices used in business organizations and networks of businesses to manage the information and knowledge sharing processes using the context of supply chain systems.
Conceptual Framework and Architecture for Agent-Oriented Knowledge Management Supported E-Learning Systems
Authors: Yau H. K. , Ngai E. W.T. , Cheng T. C.E.
Published: May 2011

In this era of information, traditional practices, technologies, skills, and knowledge are becoming obsolete at a much faster pace than ever before. This makes lifelong learning a necessity for everyone. An e-learning system is a promising solution to the demand for a flexible means of delivering knowledge to educate a large number of people over a vast area. Knowledge management systems (KMSs) are a fast growing area of research on the creation and sharing of knowledge. Agent-oriented software engineering is opening up a new horizon for the analysis and development of systems in an open, complex, and distributed environment. This article proposes a conceptual framework and architecture for the development of an agent-oriented e-learning system supported by knowledge management to provide a flexible, self-paced, and collaborative learning environment with the least constraints. The framework is based on the technologies of e-learning systems, multi-agent systems (MASs), and KMSs. The proposed system architecture consists of three levels: user level, domain level, and Web level. The system will provide all of the basic teaching- and learning-related support facilities, plus some enhanced features that are provided by the agents within the system. The system will also provide the facilities for capturing and sharing the knowledge created during utilization of the system. Finally, conclusions and the potential theoretical and practical implications of the proposed system are presented.
A Knowledge Management Case Study in Developing, Documenting, and Distributing Learning
Authors: McGregor-MacDonald Brigette
Published: May 2011

This case study reflects the work of a global organization in its knowledge management efforts to sustain and transfer learning from a global leadership development curriculum. It focuses on the Knowledge Management (KM) solution developed to support employees to sustain their learning, to enable them to share their insights and experiences with others, and thus increase organizational capability. The paper is written to illustrate an example of a large organization’s efforts to engage employees to share their learning from a management programme across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Mobile Technology for Knowledge Management
Authors: Derballa Volker , Pousttchi Key
Published: May 2011

IT support for knowledge management (KM) is a widely discussed issue. Whereas an overemphasis on technology is often criticized, the general consensus is that a well-balanced combination of technical and social approaches can be a rewarding departure (Alavi & Leidner, 1999). The usage of knowledge management systems (KMSs) (i.e., information systems including for example data warehouse techniques and artificial intelligence tools) is seen as a factor that can beneficially support different KM processes (Frank, 2001; Wiig, 1995). Due to the fact that an increasingly large proportion of work is not conducted in the context of stationary workplaces anymore, it becomes necessary to make KMSs available to those mobile workers (Rao, 2002; Sherman, 1999). Considering the different technological infrastructure in the stationary, as well as the mobile context, a KMS that so far is only available at a stationary workplace cannot simply become mobile without any changes. Further, the aspect of mobility implies specific design requirements for KMS. Taking together the rapid developments in the field of technology, allowing more and more mobile processes to be potentially supported through mobile KMS, as well as the current social and occupational developments, resulting in more mobile workplaces and business processes (Gruhn & Book, 2003), the relevance of mobile KM can be expected to increase in the future.
Open Collectivism and Knowledge Communities in Japan
Authors: Yamazaki Hideo
Published: May 2011

The aim of this article is to introduce an Eastern CoPs’ specific approach that is quite different from that of Western communities. In a collectivist prevalent societal type, the “sharing of feelings should come first, naturally followed by knowledge sharing” type of approach works very well even in a business environment. One of Japan’s traditional manufacturers has launched several interesting knowledge communities that are different from the accepted Western KM approach that emphasizes cost and effect straightforwardly. Their approach emphasized the generation of social networking on intranet first, and at a later stage, they proceeded to knowledge sharing through communities of practice. This “go slow to go fast” approach may look like one of the typical and traditional Japanese management styles. However, in this approach, the culture of this company group steadily changes from introverted and closed to extroverted and open. Their approach to build open and extroverted collectivism that is generated by knowledge communities could be one of the new management style prototypes of Japanese companies in the future.
Knowledge Management and Hurricane Katrina Response
Authors: Murphy Tim , Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

This article explores the use of knowledge management with emergency information systems. Two knowledge management systems that were utilized during the Hurricane Katrina response are described and analyzed. The systems specified were developed by federal agencies as well as grass root efforts without the support or mandate of government programs. These programs, although developed independently, were able to share data and interact in life-saving capacities, transcending traditional geopolitical boundaries. We conclude that emergency information systems are enhanced by incorporating knowledge management tools and concepts.
Learning about the Organization via Knowledge Management
Authors: Cooper Lynne P. , Nash Rebecca L. , Phan Tu-Anh T. , Bailey Teresa R.
Published: May 2011

This article describes the development and operation of a knowledge system to support learning of organizational knowledge at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a U.S. national research laboratory whose mission is planetary exploration and to “do what no one has done before”. JPL 101 is a Web-accessible database of general organizational knowledge, captured in a series of quizzes. The heart of JPL 101 is the content that is encoded as questions and annotated answers with connections to related information and resources. This article describes the requirements generation process, implementation, and roll-out of the JPL 101 system. Data collected over 19 weeks of operation were used to assess system performance with respect to design considerations, participation, effectiveness of communication mechanisms, and individual-based learning. These results are discussed in the context of organizational learning research and implications for practice.
An Exploratory Analysis of Information and Knowledge Management Enablers in Business Contexts
Authors: Nelson Karen , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the factors limiting organizational information and knowledge management (IKM) through the perceptions of IKM practitioners. The authors propose that a number of organisational factors – which for them are enablers – have the ability to influence IKM project outcomes. It follows that explication of these enablers in an integrated framework could, therefore, be beneficial for practitioners. This chapter itemises 10 candidate enablers identified from a review of the literature and explored in previous research work. The authors discuss the findings of two exploratory surveys, which indicated that all ten enablers were perceived as important to the performance of IKM. However, the amount of management attention required by each enabler appears to be IKM project specific.
Learning Styles and Adaptive ICT-Based Learning Environment
Authors: Kovacic Zlatko J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter has two aims. First, to provide an overview of learning styles research and secondly, to provide an overview of research in adaptive hypermedia learning environment systems, those where different learning styles are considered and used to create a personalized learning environment. For most distance education institutions individualization of the learning environment for each student is not an option because economies of scale are the determining factor of cost reduction. However, the latest advances in database management, artificial intelligent systems and intelligent agents provide a technological infrastructure for individualizing the learning path for every learner at a lower cost. This chapter focuses on learning styles and how we can integrate and use them as a source of adaptation in an adaptive hypermedia learning environment systems.
Real Science
Authors: Spadaccini Jim
Published: May 2011

Almost since the inception of the World Wide Web, scientific images in a variety of fields of study have been publicly available. However, in most cases the images lacked support materials making them difficult for the public to understand. Recently science centers and other educational organizations have begun to create Web-based resources that help mediate and explain compelling scientific imagery. This chapter looks at the development of four educational Web sites that utilize actual scientific imagery. Ideum developed these sites over the last four years with the Exploratorium, NASA’s Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum, and the Tech Museum of Innovation. From a developer’s perspective, the creation process for each site is presented. A critical examination explains why certain decisions concerning design, site structure, technical approach, content, and presentation were made and how lessons learned from one project were applied to the next. Finally, the chapter looks at how sites that utilize “real science” can help science centers fulfill their mission of reaching the public and assisting them in better understanding scientific research and the scientific process.
Curriculum Development in Web-Based Education
Authors: Lammintakanen Johanna
Published: May 2011

A paradigm shift has taken place in the last decade, with a move from traditional to Web-based education at different educational levels (Harasim, 2000; Karuppan, 2001; Kilby, 2001). Web-based education (WBE) has moved on from the delivery of educational content to Web-based sites with interactive functions (Carty & Philip, 2001). Concurrently, new innovative kinds of pedagogical experiments have shifted the paradigm from teaching to learning (Pahl, 2003). As summarised by Armstrong (2001), what educators have in fact realised is that a good Web-based education theory and good education theory are one and the same; the only difference is that WBE transcends the barriers of space and time. The paradigmatic shift has occurred as part of planned educational policy, while at the same time good international or national experiences have also supported the growth of WBE. In addition, there have been attempts to have more coherent and cohesive educational systems and degrees especially in the European context (The Bologna Declaration, 1999.)
An Expert-Based Evaluation Concerning Human Factors in ODL Programs
Authors: Karoulis Athanasis , Tarnanas Ioannis , Pombortsis Andreas
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we describe the expert-based approach in evaluating Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environments. Our study is mainly concerned with the domains of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human Factors (HF), and the synergy between them in the field of ODL. The most promising approach to evaluating ODL is one which attempts to frame the ideas from distributed cognition research in a way that is more usable by HCI designers. Though the distributed cognition framework acknowledges a vast majority of cases suited to HCI designers and evaluators, it has never been tried before as a framework for the evaluation of the cognitive work that is distributed among people, between persons and artifacts, across time and between abstract resources of information in the ODL domain. So, the main contribution of this chapter is on one hand to present the contemporary research on the domain, and, on the other hand to pinpoint the main concerns and to propose trends for further research on this complicated field that combines ODL, HCI and HF in such a holistic manner.
Continuing Science Education of the Global Public
Authors: Hin Leo Tan Wee , Subramaniam R.
Published: May 2011

Continuing education constitutes an important aspect of furthering the process of learning beyond the formal years of schooling. Leveraging mainly on the individual’s penchant for self-improvement, it fulfils a useful role in endowing skill sets and other competencies to a person. Continuing education has largely remained the mainstay of tertiary institutions, commercial schools and adult education centers. An entire gamut of evening courses catering to diverse interests is offered here.
Diffusion of E-Learning as an Educational Innovation
Authors: Askar Petek , Halici Ugur
Published: May 2011

Most of the discussions related to education are about technological innovations. Indeed as Rogers (1995) stated, we often use the word “innovation” and “technology” as synonyms. Technology is regarded as an agent of change in educational settings, and a quick analysis of the educational projects all over the world shows us that it is not possible to define a future vision of education without technology, especially e-learning, which brings two important concepts together: technology and learning. Therefore as a form of distance learning, e-learning has become a major instructional force in the world.
Accessibility of Computer-Based Testing for Individuals with Disablities and English Language Learners within a Validity Framework
Authors: Hansen Eric G. , Mislevy Robert J.
Published: May 2011

There is a great need for designers of computer-based tests and testing systems to build accessibility into their designs from the earliest stages, thereby overcoming barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and English language learners. Some important potential accessibility features include text-to-speech, font enlargement and screen magnification, online dictionaries, and extended testing time. Yet accessibility features can, under some circumstances, undermine the validity of test results. Evidence centered assessment design (ECD) is offered as a conceptual framework—providing sharable terminology, concepts, and knowledge representations—for representing and anticipating the impact of accessibility features on validity, thus helping weigh the consequences of potential design alternatives for accessible computer-based tests and testing systems.
Peer Coaching and Reflective Practice in Authentic Business Contexts
Authors: Ladyshewsky Richard , Ryan John
Published: May 2011

The development of managerial expertise is a combination of acquiring further knowledge and integrating it with past experience and beliefs. To do so in isolation limits the potential for positive outcomes in one’s management development. Peer coaching is one experiential learning method that can be used to enhance the depth of learning in managerial education. In this chapter, the experiences of 43 students who participated in a peer-coaching program as part of their post-graduate management education are revealed. Powerful learning effects are reported as well as characteristics of successful peer-coaching relationships.