Bridging Artifacts and Actors: Expertise Sharing in Organizational Ecosystems

We synthesize findings from longitudinal case studies examining work practices in three different organizations and propose analytical and methodological frameworks to guide the design and implementation of technologies for expertise and knowledge management. We appropriate the concept of ecosystem to argue that we can create active and useful solutions for knowledge management through a focus on interaction between two mutually intertwined elements of an ecosystem—artifacts and actors. We show that in expertise and knowledge sharing systems domain knowledge and technological knowledge are complementary and we present evidence that small solutions can have far reaching effects. Finally, we make a case for full integration of IT developers as an element of expertise sharing ecosystem.     

Transforming Scholarly Practice: Embedding Technological Interventions to Support the Collaborative Analysis of Ancient Texts

e-Research and Cyberinfrastructure programmes actively promote the development of new forms of scientific practice and collaboration through the implementation of tools and technologies that support distributed collaborative work across geographically dispersed research institutes and laboratories. Whilst originating in scientific domains, we have more recently seen a turn to the design of systems that support research practices in the social sciences and the arts and humanities. Attempts to embed large-scale infrastructures into research settings has brought to the fore the necessity of understanding the knowledge, skills and practices of researchers within a variety of disciplines that might use these technologies. In this paper, we consider an approach to gathering requirements through the introduction of various technical interventions for relatively short term periods so that we may come to an understanding their impact on routine work practices. Drawing upon an analysis of the detailed ways in which classicists work with digital images, we discuss the requirements for systems that support them as they collaborate in the interpretation of particular types of images. We discuss implications for the development of infrastructures to support research collaboration in this area and conclude with reflections upon the experiences gained from conducting naturalistic studies in parallel with design interventions.     

Seamless Integration: Standardisation across Multiple Local Settings

The pressure towards tighter or “seamless” integration of health information systems is a recurring issue with both practical and analytical relevance. It taps into a discourse in the IS literature in general and organisation and management science in particular. Unfortunately, the prevailing perception of integration in the IS literature is as a predominantly technical issue. The CSCW literature, however, is attentive to the socio-technical aspects of integration. Building on this – but supplemented with recent elaborations in science studies – we aim at exploring the unintended consequences of information systems integration. A user-led perspective implies emphasising the tailoring to local needs based on in-depth studies of the micro practices. We argue, however, that the condition for such an approach is radically undermined by politically motivated, regional changes towards integration with implicated standardisation. Enforcing order in the form of standards across multiple local settings, seemingly a prerequisite for tight integration, simultaneously produces disorder or additional work in other locations for other users. Empirically, our study is based on a large, ongoing integration effort at the University hospital of Northern Norway, specifically studying work practices and perceptions across multiple laboratories.     

In Search for the Perfect Pathway: Supporting Knowledge Work of Welfare Workers

This paper investigates the collaborative practices and computational artifacts that welfare workers use in a public welfare agency. Specifically, the paper focuses on caseworkers’ knowledge practices related to assessing unemployed citizens and identifying ‘perfect’ pathways. I draw upon an ongoing ethnographic study, carried out in one of the largest municipal jobcentres in Denmark. Findings from this research point out that existing computational artifacts support compliance with welfare policy, while limited support is provided to caseworkers in helping citizens obtain an employment. The contribution of the paper is three-folded: 1) identifying fundamental characteristics of the caseworkers’ knowledge work entailed in assessing unemployed citizens and identifying appropriate pathways, 2) examining the conditions surrounding these knowledge practices, and 3) discussing implications for the design of computational artifacts that better support local knowledge practices. While maintaining support to policy compliance, I argue that computational artifacts can also support ‘data-driven knowledge’, meaning the creation of knowledge that is based on data collected from the wide range of cases of unemployed.     

Knowledge networking to support medical new product development

New product development (NPD) in the pharmaceutical industry is very knowledge intensive. Knowledge generated and used during medical NPD processes is fragmented and distributed across various phases and artifacts. Many challenges in medical NPD can be addressed by the integration of this fragmented knowledge. We propose the creation and use of knowledge networks to address these challenges. Based on a case study conducted in a leading pharmaceutical company, we have developed a knowledge framework that represents knowledge fragments that need to be integrated to support medical NPD. We have also developed a prototype system that supports knowledge integration using knowledge networks. We illustrate the capabilities of the system through scenarios drawn from the case study. Qualitative validation of our approach is also presented.     

Instrumental genesis in technology-mediated learning: From double stimulation to expansive knowledge practices

The purpose of the present paper is to examine the socio-cultural foundations of technology-mediated collaborative learning. Toward that end, we discuss the role of artifacts in knowledge-creating inquiry, relying on the theoretical ideas of Carl Bereiter, Merlin Donald, Pierre Rabardel, Keith Sawyer and L. S. Vygotsky. We argue that epistemic mediation triggers expanded inquiry and plays a crucial role in knowledge creation; such mediation involves using CSCL technologies to create epistemic artifacts for crystallizing cognitive processes, re-mediating subsequent activity, and building an evolving body of knowledge. Productive integration of CSCL technologies as instruments of learning and instruction is a developmental process: it requires iterative efforts across extended periods of time. Going through such a process of instrumental genesis requires transforming a cognitive-cultural operating system of activity, thus ??reformatting?? the brain and the mind. Because of the required profound personal and social transformations, one sees that innovative knowledge-building practices emerge, socially, through extended expansive-learning cycles.     

Sociomateriality and boundary objects in information systems development

Information systems (IS) development is a complex organisational activity involving multiple stakeholders who interact with various artefacts in order to facilitate understanding and cooperation across diverse knowledge domains. A considerable body of work has analysed such artefacts as boundary objects, focusing on their interpretive flexibility across communities of practice. Increasing interest in the materiality of organisational practices directs attention to how such objects result from the performance of sociomaterial relations. This paper draws on these two strands of research to complement the analysis of project-related artefacts as boundary objects with a sociomaterial perspective on such objects and the practices within which they are constituted. The contribution of this combined approach is illustrated using the findings of a longitudinal case study of IS development. We trace the production and use of a prototype, the various people and practices with which it was associated, the multiple sociomaterial configurations that constituted it as a boundary object, and the social and material consequences of its use. The utilisation of sociomateriality as a theoretical lens enables us to further our understanding of how project-related artefacts act as boundary objects, and in doing so, constitute IS development as a sociomaterial practice.     

Locating computer clubs in multicultural neighborhoods: How collaborative project work fosters integration processes

Located in socially and culturally diverse neighborhoods, we have built a network of intercultural computer clubs, called come_IN. These clubs offer a place to share practices among children and adults of diverse ethnical backgrounds. We show how this initiative ties into the striving for the integration of migrant communities and host society in Germany. In this paper, we analyze how collaborative project work and the use of mobile media and technologies contribute to integration processes in multicultural neighborhoods. Qualitative data gathered from interviews with club participants, participative observation in the computer clubs, as well as the analysis of artifacts created during project work provides the background needed to match local needs and peculiarities with (mobile) technologies. Based on these findings we present two approaches to add to the technological infrastructure: (1) a mesh-network extending the clubs into the neighborhood and (2) a project management tool, which supports projects and stimulates the sharing of ideas among projects.     

Message choreography modeling

Service-based applications are based on modern architectures that require careful design of interfaces and protocols to allow smooth integration of service components. These design artifacts are not only useful for implementation, but could also be used for the derivation of integration tests. In order to be applied in these different activities of the development process, they have to conform to existing requirements and other specifications at different architectural levels. In addition, their internal consistency has to be ensured. In this paper, we present an approach to service integration based on a domain-specific language for service choreographies. We first explain the motivation for our work by defining the industrial context that led to the definition of a domain-specific choreography language, called message choreography modeling (MCM). We then provide syntax and semantics for MCM, together with suitable methods for ensuring its consistency. Finally, we report on our experience in applying the described language in practice.     

Impact of Lean Production on Perceived Job Autonomy and Job Satisfaction: An Experimental Study

Previous studies have indicated positive and negative effects of lean production on employees’ perceived work characteristics and job attitudes. The most detrimental consequence of lean production is a decrease in the perceived job autonomy of workshop employees. To reduce these negative consequences, we propose human resource practices for integration with lean production. Drawing on the job characteristics model, we hypothesized that the implementation of lean production combined with human resource practices would enhance perceived job autonomy, job satisfaction, and operational performance. To evaluate our hypotheses, we used an experimental design consisting of a simulation game that mimics a manufacturing company. We implemented lean production combined with human resource practices in this simulated company. The results indicated a significant increase in perceived job autonomy, job satisfaction, and operational performance. Moreover, the results revealed a positive relationship between job satisfaction and operational performance.     

The inner and the outer model in explanatory design theory: the case of designing electronic feedback systems

Both Information Technology (IT) artifacts and design theories are important elements for knowledge capture in design science research in information systems. Building on a rich tradition of constructing and evaluating artifacts, recent design science research has made significant advances toward better understanding the explanatory aspect of design theory. Researchers have stressed the importance of mid-range theories that relate IT artifact features (causes) with measures and goals (effects). Against this background, design theorizing reveals certain commonalities with theorizing in the behavioral science field. In this paper, we explore differences and similarities between theorizing in these areas. We develop a framework that allows for a better understanding of the relationships between manifest design decisions, kernel theory constructs and their evaluation metrics. We identify common issues that arise from conceptual distances between these ideas and show their potential impact on both the design and evaluation of artifacts. The field of electronic feedback systems is used as an illustrative example.     

Challenges of working with artifacts in requirements engineering and software engineering

When developing or evolving software systems of non-trivial size, having the requirements properly documented is a crucial success factor. The time and effort required for creating and maintaining non-code artifacts are significantly influenced by the tools with which practitioners view, navigate and edit these artifacts. This is not only true for requirements, but for any artifacts used when developing or evolving systems. However, there is not much evidence about how practitioners actually work with artifacts and how well software tools support them. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory study based on 29 interviews with software practitioners to understand the current practice of presenting and manipulating artifacts in tools, how practitioners deal with the challenges encountered, and how these challenges affect the usability of the tools used. We found that practitioners typically work with several interrelated artifacts concurrently, less than half of these artifacts can be displayed entirely on a large screen, the artifact interrelationship information is often missing, and practitioners work collaboratively on artifacts without sufficient support. We identify the existing challenges of working with artifacts and discuss existing solutions proposed addressing them. Our results contribute to the body of knowledge about how practitioners work with artifacts when developing or evolving software, the challenges they are faced with, and the attempts to address these challenges.     

The mediating role of artifacts in position practice at work: Examples from a project-based context

Drawing on examples from a case study of a global product technology company, we discuss the mediating role of artifacts in position practice in project-based contexts. Findings revealed three types of mediation – professionalization, integration, and collaboration – and pointed out the key role of organizational remembering and forgetting in these mediation processes. These findings extend our understandings of how artifacts contribute to organizational practices. We discuss implications for theory and practice, and offer directions for future research.     

Facilitating Project Team Learning and Contributions to Organizational Knowledge

Innovative products, services, and processes are consequences of knowledge integration. Often the integration is of newly generated knowledge with other knowledge that the firm already has available. Especially in firms where long run performance depends on innovation, it behooves managers to think about how newly generated knowledge can be transferred quickly, effectively, and reliably, and thereby can be integrated with the firm’s current knowledge for early exploitation or captured as organizational knowledge in the form of practices, procedures, or files. New knowledge frequently originates in the context and activity of project teams – e.g., R&D teams, design teams, and re-engineering teams. In order to carry out their tasks, such teams frequently need to learn things already known to other organizational units, i.e., they need to acquire and assimilate organizational knowledge. Theoretically then, project teams both draw on the firm’s knowledge and contribute to the firm’s knowledge. The more effectively they carry out these actions, the more effective they are and the more effective their parent firms will be. This article identifies project team and organizational design practices that facilitate project team learning and contributions to organizational knowledge.     

Integration of usability evaluation and model-based software development

Model-based software development is carried out as a well defined process. Depending on the applied approach, different phases can be distinguished, e.g. requirements specification, design, prototyping, implementation and usability evaluation. During this iterative process manifold artifacts are developed and modified, including, e.g. models, source code and usability evaluation data. CASE tools support the development stages well, but lack a seamless integration of usability evaluation methods. We aim at bridging the gap between development and usability evaluation, through enabling the cooperative use of artifacts with the particular tools. As a result of integration usability experts save time to prepare an evaluation and evaluation results can be easier incorporated back into the development process. We show exemplary our work on enhancing the Eclipse framework to support usability evaluation for task model-based software development.     

Discrete and Continuous Models for Partitioning Problems

Recently, variational relaxation techniques for approximating solutions of partitioning problems on continuous image domains have received considerable attention, since they introduce significantly less artifacts than established graph cut-based techniques. This work is concerned with the sources of such artifacts. We discuss the importance of differentiating between artifacts caused by discretization and those caused by relaxation and provide supporting numerical examples. Moreover, we consider in depth the consequences of a recent theoretical result concerning the optimality of solutions obtained using a particular relaxation method. Since the employed regularizer is quite tight, the considered relaxation generally involves a large computational cost. We propose a method to significantly reduce these costs in a fully automatic way for a large class of metrics including tree metrics, thus generalizing a method recently proposed by Strekalovskiy and Cremers (IEEE conference on computer vision and pattern recognition, pp. 1905–1911, 2011).     

EHR application portfolio and hospital performance: Effects across hospitals with varying administrative scale and clinical complexity

Electronic Health Record (EHR) has the potential to transform the work required to create and deliver healthcare services. This has triggered large-scale adoption across hospitals. However, whether all hospitals obtain a similar effect from their EHR implementations remains an important question because there are significant differences differences in characteristics of hospitals adopting these systems. To examine differences in effects across hospitals, we examine whether the impacts of EHR applications are contingent on work domains, by assessing performance effects across hospitals with varying administrative scale and clinical complexity. Because EHRs constitute a suite of applications with different functionalities, examining the effects of different sets of applications is challenging due to nonlinear interdependencies between applications. Therefore, we use an archetype approach, identifying synergistic EHR (EHRSYN) archetype as an ideal portfolio—a conceptual anchor for a hospital’s EHR portfolio. We test contingencies by combining this technology archetype with the work domains—administrative scale and clinical complexity. We test our hypotheses using empirical data from 137 hospitals in California, hypothesizing the differences in effects of EHRs on financial, operational, and clinical performances across hospitals with different administrative scales (size) and clinical complexities (case-mix) of work. While hospitals gain the most by implementing a portfolio close to the EHRSYN archetype, our nuanced models reveal that the benefits of such portfolios increase for large hospitals and are greater for hospitals treating less complex cases. These findings underscore how variations in applications used and work domains demarcate boundaries related to the performance effects of EHRs. We present a detailed discussion of the theoretical contributions and practical implications of our findings.     

The semiotics of configurations for the immanent design of interactive computational systems

In this paper the authors propose a novel semiotic approach to the design of interactive systems and computational systems, grounded in the most recent contributions within the debate around semiotic theory and analysis. This approach, that is here called Semiotics of Configurations (SoC), is proposed for its analytic power in describing material artifacts and settings with a purposely a-conceptualistic stance. The resulting analysis informs a kind of design that is aimed at reproducing and supporting the programs of action detected in the use of artifacts, as this use is “abducted” from the physical and material form of the artifacts themselves and from the observation of how content is transformed within and across them. This approach to design, called immanent design, has inspired a platform for the user-driven development and use of electronic documents and forms in cooperative and organizational domains. The framework is illustrated with a case drawn from a study performed in the domain of hospital work.     

A methodology for learning across application domains for databasedesign systems

Although database design tools have been developed that attempt to automate (or semiautomate) the design process, these tools do not have the capability to capture common sense knowledge about business applications and store it in a context-specific manner. As a result, they rely on the user to provide a great deal of "trivial" details and do not function as well as a human designer who usually has some general knowledge of how an application might work based on his or her common sense knowledge of the real world. Common sense knowledge could be used by a database design system to validate and improve the quality of an existing design or even generate new designs. This requires that context-specific information about different database design applications be stored and generalized into information about specific application domains (e.g., pharmacy, daycare, hospital, university, manufacturing). Such information should be stored at the appropriate level of generality in a hierarchically structured knowledge base so that it can be inherited by the subdomains below. For this to occur, two types of learning must take place. First, knowledge about a particular application domain that is acquired from specific applications within that domain are generalized into a domain node (e.g., entities, relationships, and attributes from various hospital applications are generalized to a hospital node). This is referred to as within domain learning. Second, the information common to two (or more) related application domain nodes is generalized to a higher-level node; for example, knowledge from the car rental and video rental domains may be generalized to a rental node. This is called across domain learning. This paper presents a methodology for learning across different application domains based on a distance measure. The parameters used in this methodology were refined by testing on a set of representative cases; empirical testing provided further validation     

Lessons from a comparison of work domain models: representational choices and their implications

As methods in cognitive work analysis become more widely applied, questions regarding the impact of modeling choices and similarities in modeling efforts across projects and domains are increasingly relevant. However, no explicit comparison of models of similar systems has been reported. This paper compares independently developed work domain analysis (WDA) models of two command and control environments. Similarities in model content and the types of nodes included provide evidence that WDA techniques can capture fundamental elements regarding purposes and constraints. These points of agreement provide a common starting point for developing work domain representations of military command and control systems. The comparison also revealed differences between the models. Although differences in content reflected differences in scope of coverage and level of detail, other differences corresponded to more fundamental choices in modeling approach. These included the treatment of sensors, level of integration in the model, and representation of particular abstract constraints. Examination of these more fundamental differences pointed to important degrees of freedom in how to represent a WDA and clarified the implications of these modeling choices for guiding design. Actual or potential applications of this research include aiding analysts in making work domain modeling choices as well as producing work domain models of command and control environments.