GROUP ASSIGNMENT: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Task: Discuss Knowledge work systems in knowledge management

Knowledge work systems (KWS) serve the information needs at the knowledge level of the organization. Knowledge work systems aid knowledge workers. A knowledge worker is anyone who works for a living at the tasks of developing or using knowledge. E.g. programmers, systems analysts, technical writers, academic professionals and researchers Knowledge work systems and Knowledge Worker

Knowledge workers can be categorized according to;the amount of time engaged in routine versus innovative behaviors.those whose work focuses on information like: specialty knowledge workers, portable knowledge workers, and creation of knowledge workers.Specialty knowledge workers possess a significant amount of knowledge related to a specific company's products or services and include scientists and information systems designers.Portable knowledge workers possess information of wide and immediate utility they include Software programmers, librarians, and persons with business degrees.

Categorization of knowledge workers

Knowledge worker productivity demands that we ask the question: What is the task?It demands that we impose the responsibility for their productivity on the individual knowledge workers themselves. Knowledge workers have to manage themselves. They have to have autonomy.Continuing innovation has to be part of the work, the task and the responsibility of knowledge workers.Knowledge work requires continuous learning on the part of the knowledge worker, but equally continuous teaching on the part of the knowledge worker.Productivity of the knowledge worker is not at least not primarily a matter of the quantity of output. Quality is at least as important.Finally, knowledge worker productivity requires that the knowledge worker is both seen and treated as an asset rather than a cost. It requires that knowledge workers want to work for the organization in preference to all other opportunities.

Characteristics of Knowledge Work and Workers

Knowledge work systems serve the information needs at the knowledge level of an organization. Knowledge work systems aid knowledge workers.Knowledge work systems require strong links to external knowledge bases in addition to specialized hardware and software.Requirements of knowledge work systems

It is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.CAD automate the creation and revision of designs, using computers and sophisticated graphics software. They provide engineers, designers, and factory managers with precise manufacturing control over industrial design and manufacturing.

Examples of knowledge work systems.(A) Computer-aided design (CAD)

Can be easily erased and changed Can be zoomed in for more detailed sections Can be copied and pasted many times Depending on skill, can be neater Can be quicker Can be sent to elsewhere quickly Can be stored in a safe place Can be checked for measurements by the computer Can easily mass produce identical products Can work throughout the night so can produce product 24 hours a dayAdvantages of CAD

If computer develops a problem, all data will be lost If not checked properly, the object created can go very wrong Can be very expensive Can be hard to do and handling needs training Since not manual, can be slightly irritating because if not familiar with technology, it is very hard to insure exactly what is wanted by the designer e.g. If wanted something engraved instead of cut, the line color has to be changed into blue instead of red. Sometimes you can't do everything you want to because the tools aren't available Lots of people lost their jobs when CAD CAM originally came outDisadvantages of CAD

Are computer-simulated environment that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds. Virtual reality can recreate sensory experiences, which include virtual taste, sight, smell, sound, and touch.These use interactive graphics software to aid users by presenting precise, three-dimensional simulations of objects.

(B) Virtual reality systems

Virtual reality in film and TVIt is often used to illustrate the concept of being trapped within the machine (or in this case, cyberspace), or as a form of advanced technology.Virtual Reality in the MilitaryUseful for training soldiers for combat situations or other dangerous settingsVirtual Reality in HealthcareEncompasses surgery simulation, phobia treatment, robotic surgery and skills training.

Application of Virtual reality systems

Save money and materialsComplicated pieces of equipment, processes or systems can be recreated using a number of techniques.Develops highly interactive, virtual reality environments to help create a safe environment

Advantages of VR

Requires skills and trainingNot easily availableThe problem of desensitizationConcerns have been raised about a possible relationship between virtual reality and desensitization. This refers to virtual reality games in which there are high levels of violence or training exercises for the military in which soldiers engage in simulated combat scenarios which include killing.Desensitization means that the person is no longer affected by extreme acts of behavior such as violence and fails to show empathy or compassion as a result.Virtual criminalityThe question is whether it is possible for someone to suffer an injury or mental distress as a result of a violent action carried out in a virtual environment. And if this does happen is the perpetrator punished in a similar way to someone who commits this action in the real world?

Disadvantages of VR

Augmented reality is technology that combines virtual reality with the real world. The current world of augmented reality deals with live video imagery which is digitally enhanced with computer generated graphics.It is interactive and in real-time and also registered in 3 dimensions.It is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are supplemented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data

Augmented reality

NavigationEnhanced GPS systems are using augmented reality to make it easier to get from point A to point B using the phone's camera in combination with the GPS, the users see the selected route over the live view of what is in front of the car.Sightseeing and tourismAbility to augment a live view of displays in a museum or park with facts and figures.MilitaryHead-Mounted Display (HMD) is used by ground troops. Critical data such as enemy location can be presented to the soldier within their line of sight.

Applications of Augmented reality

It bridges the gap between the digital and real worlds.It is unique / different Helps to create a highly personalized piece of media for the userAdvantages of Augmented reality

Causes great concern for the privacy of its usersIt is expensive to a majority of peopleDisadvantages of Augmented reality

*