Showing papers on "Workflow published in 1992"

The action workflow approach to workflow management technology

Abstract: This paper describes the ActionWorkflow™ approach to workflow management technology: a design methodology and associated computer software for the support of work in organizations. The approach is ...

Groupware: Experience in New Zealand

Abstract: Groupware is a term used to describe a family of computer based applications which support group work, group communication and collaboration. This paper is a brief introduction to five groupware categories, and provides some examples of experiences in New Zealand. 1. Introduction to groupware The past decade has seen widespread adoption of microcomputer based personal productivity tools, such as the spreadsheet and word processor, by information workers in New Zealand organisations. However, many of those organisations have been recently undergoing significant restructuring, with flattened hierarchies, fewer middle managers, and more emphasis on teams being some of the more visible outcomes of these changes. Therefore, there is rising interest in tools that can help teams and groups become more effective and productive, within the context of reduced management supervision. The next decade may see a rapid growth in group productivity tools on microcomputers interconnected by LANs, as the capabilities of the computing infrastructure is able to support these kinds of activities. The existing group communication processes in organisations have already been replicated by a number of electronic equivalents. The brown inter-office mail envelope is being challenged by electronic mail and file distribution among desktop PC users. The much maligned business meeting faces alternatives such as computer conferencing and group decision rooms. Media spaces put on the desktop a facility that supports the communication equivalent of a casual walk down the hall or a meeting at the water cooler. Workflow applications provide electronic document co-ordination, address routing lists and forms processing. The pocket diary is being challenged by an electronic calendar kept on your computer, with time slots accessible and bookable by others. Work on these components of groupware has been presented at a number of conferences. The first conference on Computer Supported Co-operative Work (CSCW) was held in 1986, and interest in the bi-annual conference has grown rapidly. 1 Small conferences on computer conferencing were held in

New working practices

Abstract: Discusses the challenges faced by the implementors of total quality management systems in having to adapt to meet the needs of new working systems, focusing on such practices as employing teleworkers rather than personnel based in a central office and the use of computers. Outlines the way in which computer systems should embrace new ways of working instead of being used to implement the old way of working. Provides a case study of “workflow automation” the name adopted by the companies developing the software to describe its functionality.

Series authority control : report of a survey

Abstract: swey was sent to ftty sclected NOTIS librarics in the winter of 1990 soliciting responses describing the type of decisions and level of responsibility of authority control required of copy catalogers. This article reports the findings of the survey and explains the University of Oklahoma's own procedures for series authority work. The workflow changes resulting from the implemen-. lation of NOTIS authority control are discussed.

The Minnesota Imaging Project research application for understanding an emerging technology

Abstract: The Minnesota Imaging Project (MIP) is a joint academic-practitioner research program at the Carlson School of Management. The MIP research team consists of individuals with diverse and significant experience with imaging, supported by group decision support systems (GDSS) technology. The MIP team is implementing a research application as the means to investigate several research issues. The project is evaluating a new phased, joint development methodology designed for new technologies. The research application has several characteristics that will permit it to be developed and studied on a small scale, and yet generalized to a broad set of applications: groups of knowledge workers that work together, frequently dispersed in time and place, focusing on the paper-based information they use, with modest amounts of file folder and workflow, and with important indexing and retrieval requirements. The research subjects are: the GDSS and the Rhetoric faculty teams, and the MIP research team. >

A Time Analysis of a Technical Services Workflow in a Representative Library

Abstract: In September 1990, the Sterling C. Evans Library at Texas A&M university implemented the NOTIS acquisitions module. The cataloging, OPAC, circulation, and serials records functions were already operational. The researchers examined the changes in workflow by tracking 641 social science firm orders (excluding serials) to identify possible bottlenecks and unpredicted delays in the process from selection to availability to the library patrons. All of the orders were tracked for eight months, at which time the researchers analyzed the results. Initially, researchers noted that training, staff adjusting to changes in procedures, and new equipment resulted in processing delays. The continued lack of adequate equipment and high turnover in calaloging personnel had the greatest effect later in the study.

Workflow Considerations in Retrospective Conversion Projects for Scores

Abstract: Complexities of music materials and the uniform titles and subject headings for them make score retrospective conversion an expensive and time-demanding venture. Careful pre-recon planning and workflow development are therefore important in score recon projects. The workflows from seven score recon projects with details of staffing levels and perceived advantages and disadvantages are presented. Pre-recon considerations-source of cataloging information, what to convert, in what order to convert, the level of staffing, and the issue of when and how to do authority work-are discussed in relation to the seven workflows.

The quadrant theory of project management

Abstract: This paper introduces the “Quadrant Theory of Project Management” as a systems theory management methodology whereby the workflow within any organizational sub-system is balanced into four “project” development classifications for dynamic strategic analysis and control. The basic theory provides a new thought medium for those involved in the creation, administration and control of work input-transformation-output processes within reactive environments.

Measuring the effects of laboratory automation: The power of empirically derived models.

Abstract: Laboratory data systems are automated for a variety of scientific and management reasons. A key part to maintaining these systems is to regularly assess the impact that automation has had on the laboratory and the organization as a whole. Smith Kline Beecham R&D is using a number of different types of measurement, as well as a number of different tools, for measuring how automated laboratory systems are affecting the workflow and information flow in the laboratory. This targeted programme of metrics has increased management confidence in laboratory automation efforts, helped anticipate data processing bottlenecks, and highlighted end-user support needs.