Title: Collaborative environment and technologies for building knowledge work teams in network enterprises

Authors: W.B. Lee, C.F. Cheung, E. Tsui, S.K. Kwok

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: Efficient sharing of knowledge is crucial in the building of knowledge work team. The importance in developing appropriate collaborative technologies to be embedded in the knowledge generation and sharing processes has been often undermined for the successful launching of Knowledge Management (KM) programmes. This paper outlines the essentials of the new knowledge environment and collaborative technologies that are used to support knowledge work. The type of collaborative technologies and environment required depends on the nature of the business. Two case examples of pending KM programmes, one in an airline industry and another in an electronics manufacturer are illustrated. It is found that a detailed understanding of the business process and customisation and alignment of the technologies are the two most important factors in designing the most appropriate knowledge environment.

Keywords: collaborative technologies; collaborative culture; knowledge environment; knowledge management; KM programmes; peer-to-peer; P2P; collaboration; knowledge sharing; work teams; team building; knowledge generation; airline industry; electronics manufacturing; business processes; customisation; technology alignment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2007.011904

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.6 No.1, pp.5 - 22

Published online: 31 Dec 2006 *

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