Showing papers in "International Journal of Information Technology and Management in 2003"
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The METEOR-S Web Service Discovery Infrastructure as mentioned in this paper uses an ontology-based approach to organize registries into domains, enabling domain based classification of all Web services, and each of these registries supports semantic publication and discovery of Web services.
Abstract: Web services are the new paradigm for distributed computing. They have much to offer towards interoperability of applications and integration of large scale distributed systems. To make Web services accessible to users, service providers use Web service registries to publish them. Current infrastructure of registries requires replication of all Web service publications in all Universal Business Registries. Large growth in number of Web services as well as the growth in the number of registries would make this replication impractical. In addition, the current Web service discovery mechanism is inefficient, as it does not support discovery based on the capabilities of the services, leading to a lot of irrelevant matches. Semantic discovery or matching of services is a promising approach to address this challenge. In this paper, we present a scalable, high performance environment for Web service publication and discovery among multiple registries. This work uses an ontology-based approach to organize registries into domains, enabling domain based classification of all Web services. Each of these registries supports semantic publication and discovery of Web services. We believe that the semantic approach suggested in this paper will significantly improve Web service publication and discovery involving a large number of registries. This paper describes the implementation and architecture of the METEOR-S Web Service Discovery Infrastructure, which leverages peer-to-peer computing as a scalable solution.
485 citations
TL;DR: The knowledge revolution is likely to have a profound impact on the well-being and welfare of human kind.
Abstract: The knowledge revolution is likely to have a profound impact on the well-being and welfare of human kind. The recognition of knowledge as a major factor in growth and development is a recent phenomenon. The management of knowledge within an enterprise is intimately linked to the management of scientific human resources in it. The two most prominent manifestations of the knowledge revolution were in the area of gene technology and information technology.
243 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive comparison between Workflow Management Systems (WfMSs) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and explore the roles of WfMS and ERP in the next generation of IT architecture based on Web Services.
Abstract: Two important classes of information systems, Workflow Management Systems (WfMSs) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, have been used to support e-business process redesign, integration, and management. While both technologies can help with business process automation, data transfer, and information sharing, the technological approach and features of solutions provided by WfMS and ERP are different. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of these two classes of information systems in the industry and academia, thus hindering their effective applications. In this paper, we present a comprehensive comparison between these two classes of systems. We discuss how the two types of systems can be used independently or together to develop intra- and inter-organizational application solutions. In particular, we also explore the roles of WfMS and ERP in the next generation of IT architecture based on Web Services. Our findings should help businesses make better decisions in the adoption of both WfMS and ERP in their e-business strategies.
89 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The use of agents provides an infrastructure that has the ability to handle disconnections during service preparation for execution and integrates a service execution planning approach to optimally select computing resources on top of which services will be executed.
Abstract: We present a framework for Web services provisioning in a hybrid environment of fixed and mobile computing resources. Several obstacles still hinder the seamless provisioning of Web services in mobile environments. Examples of such obstacles are: throughput and connectivity of wireless networks, limited computing resources of mobile devices, and risks of communication channel disconnections. In the proposed framework, software agents represent users, providers of services, and providers of resources. The business logic of composite services is expressed as a process model using statecharts formalism. Among other things, the use of agents provides an infrastructure that has the ability to handle disconnections during service preparation for execution. The framework also integrates a service execution planning approach to optimally select computing resources (fixed or mobile) on top of which services will be executed.
60 citations
TL;DR: The paper discusses the classification of Knowledge Management technology tools in detail, under the headings of Collaboration, Content management and Business Intelligence, and presents a critique of the current literature in this field.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to explore the role and contribution of new information communication technologies (ICTs) in the emerging field of Knowledge Management. There is much confusion in the literature and in organisations as to what role technology has within the field of Knowledge Management. There is a danger that organisations could spend large amounts of time, money and other resources on inappropriate technology in support of their Knowledge Management efforts. This paper seeks to clarify key questions such as: how has ICT based technology emerged as a key enabler for Knowledge Management? What characteristics of Knowledge Management are most suited to technology? What are the key classifications of Knowledge Management technology tools? The paper discusses the classification of Knowledge Management technology tools in detail, under the headings of Collaboration, Content management and Business Intelligence. Overall, the paper presents a critique of the current literature in this field.
29 citations
TL;DR: The article describes the method, its theoretical foundations on the concepts of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory and the experimental use of the method in a telecommunications company.
Abstract: Knowledge management is increasingly involved in the creation of new collective competencies. This calls for a new form of collaborative learning activity and dialogue between management's and front-line workers' perspectives. Competence Laboratory is a new team-level knowledge management method aiming at promoting and supporting such learning and dialogue. The article describes the method, its theoretical foundations on the concepts of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory and the experimental use of the method in a telecommunications company. The analysis of the experiment focuses on the conditions for constructing a shared view of the pivotal challenge of learning and competence development between middle management and front-line workers.
21 citations
TL;DR: This study examines how companies are extracting valuable information by utilising a data warehouse and presents an exploratory study of three industries that have effectively implemented and utilised data warehousing and knowledge management.
Abstract: Data warehousing is believed to be a competitive necessity. The management of knowledge supports the competitive advantage of organisations. Therefore, the effective use of data warehousing to store knowledge can be instrumental in supporting the competitive advantage of companies. "Ongoing management of the data warehouse with minimal adjustments to the data architecture and business users excited about their data are true indicators of project success". Data warehousing can be used as a repository, which is considered a gateway to managerial information or the expert's knowledge, i.e. the Knowledge Management (KM) concept. Corporations can enhance their ability to share information by utilising data warehousing and KM. This study examines how companies are extracting valuable information by utilising a data warehouse. This article presents an exploratory study of three industries that have effectively implemented and utilised data warehousing and knowledge management. These case studies examine the corporate expectations of data warehousing and its support for storing and retrieving the expert's knowledge.
15 citations
TL;DR: The paper indicates some possible solutions to the problem of knowledge sharing, and generates a number of corresponding research questions that may trigger much needed work on knowledge sharing in organisations.
Abstract: Much research on knowledge management has recognised the difficulty of sharing knowledge in organisations. Building on previous research, this paper suggests the problem of knowledge sharing stems from distributed and diverse interests of organisational members, and that it can be understood as a problem of creating collective action. The paper indicates some possible solutions to the problem of knowledge sharing, and generates a number of corresponding research questions that may trigger much needed work on knowledge sharing in organisations.
10 citations
TL;DR: The authors discuss the compelling power of stories and storytelling and focus on four principal reasons for the power of story, which are universal, crossing boundaries of language, culture and age, and how they define who the authors are.
Abstract: In this paper, the authors discuss the compelling power of stories and storytelling. After reviewing some of the most important literature about storytelling, they focus on four principal reasons for the power of story. First, stories are universal, crossing boundaries of language, culture and age. Second, they mirror human thought. All evidence from neurology and psychology leads to the conclusion that humans think in narrative structures. Concepts conveyed in story form more than ideas explained with logic and analysis imprint themselves naturally into human minds. Third, stories define who we are. Our sense of identity is forged by the stories we tell ourselves, the ones we come to believe and those we choose to dismiss. Fourth, stories build and preserve a group's sense of community. Stories align and motivate by portraying the world in vivid terms that build emotional connections among constituents, giving them a sense of shared purpose.
9 citations
TL;DR: It is found that effective knowledge management requires a long-term vision and commitment coupled with strategic emphasis for application, which should be at the core of Indian organisations, supporting learning, sharing, deploying, and sustaining individual and corporate knowledge and lessons learned.
Abstract: Knowledge is the unique resource for value creation and maintenance in the emerging global economy. Contemporary organisations require diverse knowledge workers to develop knowledge competencies and also collaborate in multiple ways to create new knowledge that enhances the performance of the organisations. The key issues in knowledge management are how to continuously generate, develop, deploy, utilise and sustain the knowledge potentials within an enterprise and share between enterprises. Knowledge management has thus far been addressed at either a philosophical or a technological level, with little pragmatic discussion on how knowledge can be managed and used more effectively on a daily basis. This paper makes an attempt to amplify understanding about operational aspects of knowledge management based on Indian experiences. We find that effective knowledge management requires a long-term vision and commitment coupled with strategic emphasis for application, which should be at the core of Indian organisations, supporting learning, sharing, deploying, and sustaining individual and corporate knowledge and lessons learned. A knowledge-driven company case is presented.
7 citations
TL;DR: This article examines how 51 companies that generate around £9.3 billion in revenues from their know-how are managing 20 different categories of intellectual capital.
Abstract: Increasingly, knowledge is being shared, but is it being exploited to generate additional income streams and grow shareholder value? This article examines how 51 companies that generate around £9.3 billion in revenues from their know-how are managing 20 different categories of intellectual capital. Their experience suggests that boards need to increase the proportion of people who are creating, packaging and exploiting know-how and ensure various forms of knowledge from designs, websites, patents and copyrights to processes, skills and customer and supplier relationships are being fairly valued, fully exploited and converted into profit and ultimate shareholder wealth.
TL;DR: It is argued that, when it comes to knowledge management, the attention of managers and researchers alike is still focused on IT, sidelining other important aspects of knowledge management.
Abstract: It is argued that, when it comes to knowledge management, the attention of managers and researchers alike is still focused on IT, sidelining other important aspects of knowledge management. One important sidelined aspect is the role of teams and groups for storing, retrieving, sharing, creating and utilising knowledge. Empirical research in customer service centres shows that managers are not aware of the knowledge-related functions of teams, while team members are. This neglect on the part of managers is reflected in the literature, where only a few papers point out the important role of teams in knowledge management processes. This diagnosis has wider-ranging implications it fields the hypothesis that teams are crucial for integrating knowledge. Interaction between team members is central and therefore should be supported by managers.
TL;DR: Highlights of developments in different aspects of knowledge management in the operation of CPI that are mainly attributable to strides made in information technology are given.
Abstract: Effective knowledge management in the Chemical Process Industry (CPI) is intimately linked with the level of development in collection, transfer, analysis, flow and absorption of data/information/knowledge and the implementation of decisions. The major contribution of these developments is towards making them operational in real time and with increased productivity. During recent years, CPI has experienced increased profitability due to the application of new IT developments. However, it needs to be appreciated that many of the IT norms have been routinely practised in CPI for many years based on contemporary knowledge and hardware systems. The World Wide Web along with developments in hardware and software systems is poised to integrate the enterprise both horizontally and vertically by making use of the Supply Chain Model (SCM), Plant Information Management System (PIMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other back-up systems to make the business cost effective. This paper gives highlights of developments in different aspects of knowledge management in the operation of CPI that are mainly attributable to strides made in information technology.
TL;DR: This paper proposes a method for linking strategy and organisational knowledge using metaphors, since metaphors induce creative visualisation they can be used for conceptualising strategic business architecture.
Abstract: This paper proposes a method for linking strategy and organisational knowledge. Since metaphors induce creative visualisation they can be used for conceptualising strategic business architecture. Using examples of Exxon, Intel, Chiron and Microsoft, the concept has been illustrated.
TL;DR: A framework for valuing ISs in relation to OL is proposed and elaborated and a case study of the relationship between Geographical Information Systems and Organisational Learning in an environmental consultancy firm is presented to illustrate the contents and application of the framework.
Abstract: The notion of organisational learning (OL) aims to introduce a broad perspective on how an organisation as a whole perceives the interplay with its competitive environment and handles it. Although the role of Information Systems (IS) in relation to OL has been assessed by several authors, most of these assessments have not adopted an equally broad perspective on the role of ISs. A framework is needed to express the broad organisational concept envisaged in the notion of OL, and to provide the pegs to link ISs to OL accordingly. Such a framework for valuing ISs in relation to OL is proposed and elaborated. A case study of the relationship between Geographical Information Systems and Organisational Learning in an environmental consultancy firm is presented to illustrate the contents and application of the framework.
TL;DR: The paper aims to feature some of the communication curiosities validated by mathematics and demonstrated in the physical world that are required to build a substantial representation of knowledge in the internet age.
Abstract: This paper looks at some of the fundamental mathematical properties of communications. Knowledge is, we know, the property of a group of communicating agents yet little consideration is given to the features of these communications in the context of a group. Shannon & Weavers's landmark book, The Mathematical Theory of Communication, explored the properties of the information content within communication. This paper builds on this work by investigating the properties of communications within the ecology of Knowledge agents. The paper aims to feature some of the communication curiosities validated by mathematics and demonstrated in the physical world. These simple, but elegant, phenomena must be present in the more complex systems studied as KM systems and are required to build a substantial representation of knowledge in the internet age.
TL;DR: This paper attempts to show a paradox relating to the introduction of knowledge management, by the case study of Japan's retail company, if the reasons for establishing knowledge databases are seen only in terms of improving the efficiency of knowledge utilisation.
Abstract: This paper attempts to show a paradox relating to the introduction of knowledge management, by the case study of Japan's retail company. When companies introduce knowledge management, if the reasons for establishing knowledge databases are seen only in terms of improving the efficiency of knowledge utilisation, there is a risk that competitiveness will be reduced due to the resulting loss of resources of experience-based knowledge.
TL;DR: The argument is made that information technology is indeed essential to the processes of strategic management and should take on more substantive discussions in the literature.
Abstract: Strategic management encompasses the broad-based factors of strategy formulation and strategy implementation Historically, much of strategic management's influences came from an Industrial Age "mindset" including concepts and management philosophies However, economic change now appears to be a foregone conclusion Indeed, many suggest that the structure of global business is in the middle of a so-called "new economy" transformation to the Information or Knowledge Age, one where the association between a new economic order and information technology is often made Unfortunately, while strategic management has been widely discussed in the literature, discussions have seemingly fallen short when taken in context with information technology The argument is made that information technology is indeed essential to the processes of strategic management and should take on more substantive discussions in the literature
TL;DR: The paper describes how the different levels of people in human society can be lifted to better levels of productivity and wealth creation by illustrating the types of requirements of technologies/knowledge/skills.
Abstract: The paper points out that in the evolutionary process of human society, different groups of people have been left at different levels. Therefore, within countries, it is necessary to identify these different levels and tailor modern knowledge/skill bases to enable their smooth transition, instead of attempting a uniform solution. The paper discusses the four broad levels of knowledge bases in India and how they are placed in the Indian economy. The paper then describes how the different levels can be lifted to better levels of productivity and wealth creation by illustrating the types of requirements of technologies/knowledge/skills.
TL;DR: The authors compare the assumptions about technical change that give rise to these contrasting perspectives, to confront them with the available evidence and to suggest an analytical framework which is more suitable for analysing the influence that is currently being exerted on the inter-country patterns of globalisation by the introduction of information technology.
Abstract: It is precisely because of the importance now ascribed (by many scholars) to technical change as a source of economic growth, that our view of the way in which innovations are actually generated, appropriated and diffused among different countries bears so heavily on what we think will be the dispersion over time of growth rates between rich and poor countries. On the other hand there are economists whose view of technological relationships leads them to anticipate a convergence of per capita incomes between countries at different stages of development. In yet another category are those who take a different view of how technologies are generated, appropriated and diffused internationally. This group tends to conceive of a process of economic divergence, whereby the gap between rich and poor countries becomes larger rather than smaller over time. The purpose of this paper is to compare the assumptions about technical change that give rise to these contrasting perspectives, to confront them with the available evidence and to suggest an analytical framework which is more suitable for analysing the influence that is currently being exerted on the inter-country patterns of globalisation by the introduction of information technology. We find among other things, that although the notion of international technological dualism was conceived as early as 1970, it is only recently that an accurate view of technical change based on this concept has been formalised in growth theory.
TL;DR: This paper proposes the use of new methodologies for knowledge-based development associated with web technologies for construction of knowledge repositories, and describes and illustrates the separation of the application knowledge from problem-solving knowledge.
Abstract: Knowledge economy in the future will be characterised by a degree of dynamics, flexibility and mobility that will go far beyond many of today's developments and examples. On demand and ad hoc formation of teams, virtual organisations, physically distributed and mobile workers are only initial examples of the work practices and organisational innovation to be expected. For learning and collaboration frameworks, suitable support should be provided for knowledge construction. This paper proposes the use of new methodologies for knowledge-based development associated with web technologies for construction of knowledge repositories. We describe and illustrate the separation of the application knowledge from problem-solving knowledge. Indexing is used for both cases as a cornerstone for structuring knowledge, modelling and reuse as shown in the working prototype. UML models provide a useful, lightweight environment for constructing problem-solving repositories for the web.
TL;DR: The patenting behaviour of neem tree products worldwide and the strategies adopted to preserve community rights for traditional knowledge through a non-patent database are analyzed.
Abstract: Knowledge in wealth creation has passed through two earlier stages and is now emerging into the third where knowledge is being applied to knowledge itself. Against this background this paper examines the potential of traditional knowledge in the development of scientifically acceptable products and processes. It analyses the patenting behaviour of neem tree products worldwide and the strategies adopted to preserve community rights for traditional knowledge through a non-patent database.
TL;DR: The top ten knowledge applications (Domains) and the utilisation of the architectural framework to structure for knowledge are discussed at length along with the identification of three high level issues that will significantly influence the knowledge movement over the longer term.
Abstract: An emerging picture of what it takes to build a strategic focus on knowledge across the enterprise is beginning to take shape as the knowledge movement gains momentum in organisations across the globe. Organisations are applying knowledge management solutions to ten core business processes to increase customer value, generate new sources of revenue, capture and retain expertise, decrease costs and improve cycle times. These knowledge management solutions are being applied through an architectural framework that consists of knowledge repositories and libraries, communities of practice, navigation and access tools, and knowledge flow processes. The top ten knowledge applications (Domains) and the utilisation of the architectural framework to structure for knowledge are discussed at length along with the identification of three high level issues that will significantly influence the knowledge movement over the longer term.
TL;DR: Research results are reported based on a survey of law firm clients in Norway that finds the inter-organisational knowledge management between a law firm and its clients increasingly finds support in information technology.
Abstract: Law firms represent corporate clients by providing specialised legal services. The inter-organisational knowledge management between a law firm and its clients increasingly finds support in information technology. This paper reports research results based on a survey of law firm clients in Norway. While information technologies such as e-mail, wordprocessing, spreadsheet, groupware and presentation software are used quite extensively, internet-based services such as law firms' online legal services on extranets are emerging.
TL;DR: It is examined whether some aspects of it can form the basis of corporate KM, even though the size of operations in each case is different.
Abstract: The term KM has become common now in the corporate world. This has come out of the need to keep abreast as a corporation with the accelerated development of technology and the almost immediate adoption of it for commercial exploitation. Speed therefore has forced the issue. Consequent on this are discussions about a knowledge society. But these terms are not well defined nor are the techniques of KM and the building of a KS. There has existed in India for several millennia a KS which is called the Vedic society. KM had been one of its great strengths. In this paper, it is examined whether some aspects of it can form the basis of corporate KM, even though the size of operations in each case is different.
TL;DR: Issues related to Knowledge Management throughout the various activities of such long gestation programs has been addressed so that the project is brought to successful completion irrespective of the continued non-availability of the specialists throughout the programme.
Abstract: When compared to short term, dynamic, profit-driven projects like those in IT, fashion, infotainment and the service industries, long gestation complex high-technology projects pose different kinds of challenges in Knowledge Management. Typical of such programs are defence programmes, infrastructure projects and drug development. These projects run for more than a decade and there is a frequent turnover of specialists. In this paper, issues related to Knowledge Management throughout the various activities of such long gestation programs has been addressed so that the project is brought to successful completion irrespective of the continued non-availability of the specialists throughout the programme. An example of a surface-to-air missile system development project has been taken where the tools and techniques of Knowledge Management have been applied to ensure the success of this long gestation project.
TL;DR: This research takes into account the role of Public Administration in Italy and the relations between information and communication technology (IC a) the ability to face uncertainty; c) the modalities of management and control.
Abstract: This work starts from research concerning European Public Administration (EPA) and the implications of competition for Italian Public Administration. For this reason, the data is from 16 countries, focused mainly on the analysis of the degree of evolution of information and communication technology. In this research, we take into account the role of Public Administration in Italy and the relations between information and communication technology (IC b) the ability to face uncertainty; c) the modalities of management and control.