Module 1 discussion
Knowledge Sharing Tools
We live in an information age when infinite quantities of
facts are widely available to anyone who can use a computer. We all now have
the difficult task to compete in this information age where knowledge sharing
within an organization could make a difference.
In your first posting, you are expected to provide one
example of some kind of information technology tool that helps organizations
share knowledge. Here you have a website that could give you some examples.
http://www.kstoolkit.org/KSTools Describe the knowledge sharing tool and
discuss its benefits.
In your second posting, comment on the different knowledge
sharing tools presented by your classmates and compare and contrast at least
two with yours. Highlight the ability to share knowledge.
Module 2 discussion
Decision Making and Information Politics
As IT applications become more reutilized all across the
board, one of the interesting features are the occasional employees who know
more than the IT staff about some critical thing, often many of them.
Communication between staff and IT then becomes much more complicated, because
the balance of power between the two groups based on the dependence of staff on
IT for help and support breaks down. While there is certainly nothing wrong
with knowledge about technology it can lead to mixed messages, confused goals,
feelings of lack of appreciation and lack of support, and generally less than
effective maintenance of IT across-the-board. We certainly don’t want to
discourage our staff from acquiring technical knowledge, but we also don’t want
them to use that knowledge as a political weapon against IT’s control of IT. Or
do we? Maybe it’s a good thing to have a level of stress between staff and IT
if it serves to keep both groups on their toes and trying to outdo each other.
At any rate, user support isn’t just looking after the least
technological staff; increasingly, it’s also providing for the power users, and
those who would be power users. Have you had any experience with this
knowledge-based tension between staff and IT? Even if you haven’t, can you see
how it could be a problem? What should we be doing about it?
We’ll be interested in your ideas here.
(Note: Students are STRONGLY encouraged to respond to each
others posts and to ask each other questions based on their posts. Obviously,
the earliest posters will have to respond to the “seed” question to
get the discussion started. But subsequent posters should read through all the
previous responses and can respond to something in a previous post rather than
the “seed” question. For example, if you have had a similar problem
as a previous poster or disagree with a point that a previous poster made, you
can respond directly to the previous poster and get credit for participating in
the discussion.)
Module 3 discussion
Network Computing
Identify some commercial tools that allow users to conduct
browsing, communication, and collaboration simultaneously. Explain why the
topic of group work and its support has gotten increased attention.
Module 4 discussion
Mobile E-Commerce
Discuss the major limitations of mobile E-commerce. Which of
them are likely to disappear? Why is the electronic job market so popular,
especially among the high-tech professions?
Module 4 Reflective Discussion
Given the readings and assignments in the course, identify
and briefly discuss two important concepts from this course that are applicable
to your degree.
You can also include here any comments and suggestions about
this course that you would like to highlight.
Thank you for your reflections! They help us all for
continuous assessment and improvement of the learning experience.
