Raija Halonen

Managing tacit and explicit knowledge in organisational teams

In this article we analyse how tacit and explicit knowledge are managed in teams. Tacit knowledge is located in human persons and it can not be described formally as data or any other form while explicit knowledge is public and formal. Our approach is qualitative and we aim to describe the appearance and behaviour of knowledge. We also aim to analyse the difference between tacit and explicit knowledge that is realised for example when transferring knowledge between actors in organisations and teams.

Too Many Cooks Spoiling a Soup? Making Sense of a Distributed, Multi-party IS Project

Abstract This paper analyzes collaboration in a distributed, multiparty information system (IS) development and implementation project. Existing research on collaboration in IS projects, and particularly in distributed, multiparty IS projects, is reviewed. In addition, collaboration is empirically analyzed by utilizing a phenomenographic approach. Empirical analysis shows that collaboration as a theme emerged strongly. Different organizations viewed the project and collaboration in the project in divergent ways, but there were also varied and contradictory views within the organizations. Implications both for research and practice are discussed.

Configuring cooperation: a reflective learning history

This paper analyses the meaning of experience and learning in a multi‐client, multi‐vendor information system procurement that lasted over one year. We show how the phases in the acquisition process were developing and how our experiences affected on them during the changing process. We also describe the learning process using the means of reflective practice. The information system was to be piloted in three Finnish universities before it was introduced into the public domain. The pilot project was based on previous projects, forming an interesting case and offering several possibilities in learning. Choosing the right acquisition method, understanding the importance of experience and trust and taking power when needed were among the lessons that were learnt during the process. This study also shows how the experience—even if not pervasive—can lead on to fruitful outcomes.

Early detection of migraine attacks based on wearable sensors: experiences of data collection using Empatica E4

The migraine is a chronic, incapacitating neurovascular disorder, characterized by attacks of severe headache and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, concerning 15% of people in developed countries. It is one of the most understated and incapacitating diseases in the world and costing yearly 111 Billion Euros in Europe only. In our study, we discarded the mechanisms affecting to the migraine but instead the focus was on early detection of the attacks by using human measured biosignals. By using a single, easy and comfortable wearable sensor device the aim was to develop a model that assists individuals to take their medication on time and hence help to avoid the pain in migraine. In this paper, a preliminary study concept is presented as well as the experiences of the data collection using Empatica E4 device is carried out. The experiences are introduced from the point of view of the researchers themselves but also the volunteers actually using the device answered to a short survey about the usability issues as well as gave opinions of the future migraine detection device itself.

Exploring use of wearable sensors to identify early symptoms of migraine attack

Migraine is a long-term failure mode including a risk of disease-related deficits that lead to social exclusion. The study was conducted among members of the Finnish Society for Migraine, and it aimed to determine and recognize the migraine patients with pre-symptoms and whether they would be willing to use wearable sensors in identifying pre-symptoms of migraine. The survey received responses from 565 persons, and more than 90 per cent of the respondents were willing to use the wearable sensors for the measurement of pre-symptoms, as well as to support the treatment. Moreover, the study revealed that 87.8 percent of migraine patients identified migraine early symptoms. The most common symptoms are tiredness, slow thinking, difficulty to find words and visual disturbances. Most of the respondents wanted the device placed on wrist as a watch, wristband or a skin patch.

Removing obstacles when implementing inter-organisational information systems

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of collaboration in inter-organisational Information System (IS) projects when distinct organisations participate in the projects. Modern society presumes that information is easily and quickly transferred between participants who need that information. Inter-organisational ISs are one answer to this need. In case organisations participate in implementing the IS, collaboration is even more necessary. Our results highlight the importance of collaboration and the trust that lies behind it.

Action learning with an information system project: subjective reflections

This paper discusses the growth process during which a researcher grew to become a project manager. Besides being a description of the growth process of the researcher, this article considers the change that was seen in the process of student mobility. The breeding ground of this growth process was an information system implementation that was carried out by several universities, and by their student affairs offices in particular. The research method in this study is action research with a case study. Due to the subjective nature of the research goal, action learning is emphasised. The research material is mainly gathered from a personal diary written by the researcher. This real diary, detailing the project’s ups and downs, encapsulates the reflections of the researcher. Furthermore, the outcome of the information system project proves that there have also been changes in the process of student mobility managed by the student affairs officials.

Preferred Biosignals to Predict Migraine Attack

Migraine is classified to two classes, with aura and without aura, and migraine seizures last usually several hours. The goal of this study was to identify the most important symptoms of migraine to be monitored by wearable sensors to predict the migraine attack. The purpose of wearable sensors is to guide patients to take the migraine medication in time, and to support their own care. Self-measurement is a growing trend worldwide and sensor technology has been used for several years in activity wristbands, smartphones, rings, mobile phones, and mobile applications. The study was conducted as an operational study, randomised for those who had been diagnosed with migraine by a doctor. The study was divided into two parts, at first a questionnaire was sent to 17 people in social media. On the basis of the questionnaire, a qualitative interview was conducted for 12 persons with migraine. Responses to the questionnaire were compared to the results of the interview, and the answers to the research questions were sought. Migraine patients considered important that device reports quality of sleep, pulse, blood pressure, stress levels, sleep apnea, and energy consumption.

Developing an E-learning Course on Serious Games: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The use of serious games (SGs) for different purposes is increasing. The development of successful and effective SGs requires a team with professional knowledge from different areas and a joint understanding of the SG development process. The research goal was to find a way to educate multidisciplinary students via an elearning course about SGs. An action research study was initiated, and social constructivism theory-based e-learning courses on SGs were developed. The Carpe Diem Learning design method was used in the planning phase, followed by three iterations on course development and implementation. The feedback and observations were analysed in each iteration, and changes to the courses were made according to them. This iterative development and incremental improvement of an online course according to feedback was found to be a good approach.

Willingness to use smartphone application assistant to support migraine treatment

Migraine is one of the most neurologically challenging diseases. Migraines are divided into two main forms: aura and without aura. The purpose of this study was to investigate the willingness of migraine patients to use sensors and intelligent migraine diary to be used as support for their own care. There were 565 responses to the questionnaire. Out of those responded, 12 migraine patients were selected for a qualitative interview. The research utilised mixed method that revealed that almost all of the respondents were willing to use sensors to be used as well as an electronic migraine diary for self-care.