GROUP ASSIGNMENT: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Task: Discuss Knowledge work systems in knowledge management

Knowledge work systems and Knowledge

Worker
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

Categorization of knowledge workers

Knowledge workers can be categorized according to;

1. the amount of time engaged in routine versus innovative behaviors.

2. those whose work focuses on information like: specialty knowledge

workers, portable knowledge workers, and creation of knowledge

workers.

A. 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.
B. Portable knowledge workers possess information of wide and immediate
utility they include Software programmers, librarians, and persons with
business degrees.

Characteristics of Knowledge Work

and
Workers
1. Knowledge worker productivity demands that we ask the question: What is the
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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.

Requirements of knowledge work

systems

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.

Examples of knowledge work

systems.
It is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification,
(A)
Computer-aided design (CAD)
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.

Advantages of 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 day

Disadvantages 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 out

(B) Virtual reality systems

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.

Application of Virtual reality systems

Virtual reality in film and TV
It 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 Military
Useful for training soldiers for combat situations or other dangerous
settings
Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Encompasses surgery simulation, phobia treatment, robotic surgery and
skills training.

Advantages of VR
Save money and materials
Complicated 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

Disadvantages of VR
Requires skills and training
Not easily available
The problem of desensitization

Concerns 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 criminality
The 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?

Augmented reality
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

Applications of Augmented reality

Navigation
Enhanced 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 tourism
Ability to augment a live view of displays in a museum or park with facts and
figures.
Military
Head-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.

Advantages 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 user

Disadvantages of Augmented reality

Causes great concern for the privacy of its users
It is expensive to a majority of people