Gary R. Oliver

A micro intellectual capital knowledge flow model: a critical account of IC inside the classroom

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the critical approach to management research (Alvesson and Deetz), to examine intellectual capital (IC) with the twin perspectives of from inside the classroom and as a bottom‐up approach, and, in the process, develop a micro IC model of knowledge flows.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study, based on the authors experience in applying the concept of micro IC to the classroom and student learning.Findings – IC is created without the students being formally aware of its extent. The focus moves from a top‐down evaluation of IC stocks such as student academic performance to a bottom‐up view of IC flows in which discipline knowledge is applied and generic attributes such as collaboration, communication and critical evaluation are exercised with incremental improvement. These are not normally noticed by the students. However, some skills which do not form part of the university skills plan are acknowledged by students. These include high eng...

A tenth anniversary assessment of Davenport and Prusak (1998/2000) Working Knowledge: Practitioner approaches to knowledge in organisations

Davenport and Prusaks Working Knowledge is aimed at practitioners. The tenth anniversary of the paperback edition of Davenport and Prusaks Working Knowledge is evaluated using two approaches. First, a practitioner view of knowledge management (KM) is examined from two lenses: the authors’ definition of knowledge and their view of knowledge processes for knowledge sharing or hoarding. The second approach considers their advice to ensure that knowledge is neither mismanaged nor unmanaged in organisations (p. xxi). Davenport and Prusaks advice takes three forms. First, they provide a rationale for knowledge sharing based around its value when lost. Second, they provide advice on the processes that facilitate knowledge sharing. Third, they reinforce the continuing importance of organisational values. At a time when the cost pressures facing contemporary businesses reduce funds available for technological codification of knowledge and knowledge-supporting activities, Working Knowledge reminds us that knowledge involves individuals making judgements and providing insights. However, the continuing lack of a clear definition of knowledge makes for difficulties in gaining acceptance for KM and knowledge practices.

Evaluating an Approach to Sharing Software Engineering Knowledge to Facilitate Learning

This chapter explores learning from repositories of software engineering knowledge— stores of practice created through knowledge sharing over time. Knowledge sharing is acknowledged as one of the most important processes to enhance organizational knowledge. A general model describing how the unique aspects of a software engineering environment shape knowledge sharing is introduced; this framework is known as software engineering knowledge sharing. In addition, CORONET, a system that provides functionality for knowledge sharing and for lifelong learning of software engineers in an organizational context, is briefly addressed. CORONET is a Web-based environment and incorporates knowledge management as an integral component. This chapter seeks to associate the two by fitting CORONET into the software engineering knowledge-sharing framework. We believe that the proposed model is useful for small projects, even those with different characteristics, and has the potential to be extended and refined by other researchers and practitioners.

A Comparative Study Of Two Knowledge Discovery Tools: Barchart Versus Scatterplot

This paper reports the results of an empirical examination of the effectiveness of two knowledge discovery tools (barchart and scatterplot) in the context of a sales forecasting task. The main results of the study indicate that both tools were reasonably suitable for well conveying associations among task variables and offering improvements in prediction accuracy when compared to a naive predictor. There is however, still much ground for improvement towards a theoretical optimal case. In addition, findings show that a scatterplot was significantly more beneficial than a barchart in enhancing forecasters’ knowledge and performance of the task. This superiority can be potentially explained in terms of the favorable aspects of Cartesian graphs and the greater concentration required for using the tool.