Information Systems and the Environment (2001) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Improving Environmental Knowledge Sharing
Improving Environmental Knowledge Sharing
Pages 59-80
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From page 59... ...
chemical companies identified as many as 80 distinct software applications and tools per company to manage environmental information (Kabjian, 1996~. Over 40,000 environmentally related Internet sites are accessible through the EnviroLink Network, "the largest online environmental information resource on the planet" (Knauer, 1997~.
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From page 60... ...
The examples of environmental data, information, and knowledge shown in Box 2 illustrate some of the difficulties associated with managing information
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From page 61... ...
, information sharing involves the relatively simple process of transmission either through documentation or verbal communication. Knowledge sharing, on the other hand, requires contextual understanding (i.e., it is not
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From page 62... ...
Knowledge within organizations is scattered, and effective collaboration and knowledge sharing occur inconsistently. Institutional memory is short.
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From page 63... ...
Figure 4 shows examples of tools used to support information sharing among various manufacturing functions and the types of questions or concerns that may lead to knowledge sharing across work functions. The tools used to support knowledge management should be designed to meet the varied objectives and diverse backgrounds of team participants who may perform various functions throughout the firm.
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From page 66... ...
Successful management of this process provides numerous opportunities to identify and exercise options for improving performance, particularly environmental efficiencies. Participants in the process and potential applications of supplier-chain knowledge sharing are shown in Box 3.
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From page 67... ...
Figure 5 shows the tools used to support information sharing among the supply-chain players and the types of questions or concerns that may lead to knowledge sharing across functions. Information technology is likely to play an increasingly important role as an enabler of knowledge management; of more effective communication; and of collaboration across organizational lines, borders, and time zones.
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From page 68... ...
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From page 69... ...
Figure 6 shows tools used to support information sharing among downstream players and the types of questions or concerns that may lead to knowledge sharing across functions. Collaborations Always dependent on information and knowledge sharing, the success or failure of a collaboration depends on a common understanding of the project's objectives and the establishment of trust among collaborators.
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From page 71... ...
Such collaborations often occur through industry groups and consortia that are intermediary agents in sharing knowledge. Examples of such intermediaries include the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, and the United States Council for Automotive Research.
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From page 72... ...
Software applications such as Lotus Notes and Novell GroupWise~ can include functionality for e-mail, bulletin boards, group scheduling, conferencing, document management, and workflow management. These technologies can help users to work collaboratively and exchange numerous forms of data, information, and knowledge.
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From page 73... ...
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From page 74... ...
To implement these technologies successfully, it is important to know the roles of different organizational groups, how work is performed, and how information flows between groups. The technologies used to manage environmental knowledge are only as good as the organizational structure that supports the work processes through clear roles and responsibilities.
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From page 75... ...
Tools need to be developed that are compatible with existing, effective work processes. Proactive management of change will be required to improve inefficient work processes and to overcome the traditional resistance to new technologies.
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From page 76... ...
This creates a need to enhance knowledge sharing and collaboration across organizational boundaries and with those providing outsourcing and contracting services. Rapid employee turnover, downsizing, and early retirement.
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From page 77... ...
Much knowledge sharing is now achieved via electronic communication, which both facilitates and requires more effective knowledge management. Increasing reliance on multifunctional and multiorganizational teams.
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From page 78... ...
Although many efforts to date have focused on data management, substantial opportunities exist to leverage available knowledge to address environmental performance issues. By undertaking a balanced approach that incorporates data, information, and knowledge, we can begin to more effectively support environmental decision-making objectives as well as longer-term sustainable development goals.
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From page 79... ...
1997. Knowledge Sharing Within Management Consulting Firms.
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