Topic: How organisations collect, manage and share resources through Internet and other Technology?

My selected article:

Toole, P. (2000). Sign of the times: manufacturing and e-business blend as a digital enterprise. Design Engineering, 46(8), 12. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=374775371&Fmt=7&clientId=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD

My comment:

With the widespread use of Internet in today's world, e-business is a trend for digital enterprises. This article claims that e-business is to exploit "the combined power of the Internet and information technology to fundamentally transform key business strategies and process", while the digital enterprises are able to manage organizational information and collaborate geographically. The article explains that with the online technical support for digital enterprises, such as ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, e-business can improve product and service development with less time and cost. This is because Internet makes the world globally connected, and online collaborative tools allow users to share business information and contribute to the business across geographical boundaries. Furthermore, because operation can be completed online, time and space are no longer a barrier to do businesses in the world as computer network allows instant transactions available on a 24-hour basis. As Kanter (1999) states, the defining feature of global economic is the flow of capital, people, and information.

With the advantages of online collaboration and knowledge management application, Internet and information technology became a competitive necessity of e-business. On the other hand, the article also point out one disadvantage of e-business is that some existing organizational knowledge may fail to exploit as some new solutions may not be able to shift the existing process to the new tools. However, this can be improved by the continuous development of technology and increasing need for e-business.

Reference:
Kanter, R. M. (1999). Change is everyone's job: Managing the extended enterprise in a globally connected world. Organizational Dynamics, 28(1), 7-23. ABI/INFORM Global, 28(1), 7-23.

My Topic: How organisations collect, manage and share resources through Internet and other Technology?


My selected article:

Optimize Solutions Launches to Help Professional Services Organizations Better Manage -- Projects, Resources, Expenses. (2001). Business Wire, p. 1. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=70006841&Fmt=7&clientId=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD

My comment:
With the continuous growing demand for high level organisational service, an efficient software solution is needed to manage all business processes of an organisation. Coffin (2006) mentions that a successful enterprise application should support networked collaboration, encourage user participation, and improve business efficiency. This news article announces the launch of Optimize Solutions which should conform to Coffin's all requirements.

Optimize Solutions is new professional services automation (PSA) software application designed to help organisations to improve operation efficiency. With its web-based interface, Optimize Solutions is able to deliver high performance within an organization as well as to external partners and clients. According to the article, organisational employee can use Optimize Solutions to locate requested information, share business resources, and process business tasks; external partners and clients can view the processes of tasks, send business queries, and monitor the status of projects; all users can also interact and consult any business issues. As the business information can be geographically distributed to internal and external users, Optimize Solutions delivers valuable service that helps collaboration to achieve profitable business goals easier and builds better relations among users. As a result, time and resources can be saved because inefficient process reduces. In addition, Optimize Solutions can integrate with the organisation's existing applications through simple installation, which reduces technical issues and provides more flexibility to the organisation. In conclusion, Optimize Solutions provides high level professional services to clients by automate business efficiently.


Reference
Coffin, J. (2006). Analysis of open source principles in diverse collaborative communities. Analysis of open source principles in diverse collaborative communities, 11(6 June). Retrieved from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/viewArticle/1342/1262

My topic: How organisations collect, manage and share resources through Internet and other Technology?

My selected article:

iManage Unveils the First Multi-Platform Collaborative Content Management Suite. (2002). PR Newswire, 1. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=110141434&Fmt=7&clientId=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD

My comment:

Fedorowicz, Laso-Ballesteros, and Padilla-Melendez (2008) summarizes that a good collaboration tool is able to produce a faster time to market, increase business model innovation, reduce misunderstandings among information distributed members, enable reuse of shared information, make more efficient for project process, and allow users interactions within a group. This news article introduces Imanage WorkSite Multi-Platform (MP) which is a new application suit to fulfil all features mentioned above.

According to this article, iManage WorkSite MP helps organizations to manage information such as e-mails, collaborate across geographical boundaries through Internet, and achieve business goals with fewer resources. The article describes e-mails as the only form of unstructured content with various format of information, such as texts, spreadsheets, and images, all of which can be difficult to manage and become a major content management issue. IManage WorkSite provides a comprehensive solution to store, share, and re-use the information in e-mails. Furthermore, it is able to bring all business content of a company together in a secure enterprise repository across different operating environment, such as Java Platform and NT Platform, and then organize the information in a user-friendly way that can be re-used. As it is accessible via Internet, iManage WorkSite provides users across physical distance with virtual work space to communicate and collaborate on any internal projects and issues. It can be said that this new application suit not only makes collaboration easy and efficient, but also reduces cost and time for business process. In a word, iManage WorkSite is a useful technology-based application suit for organisations to support content management by collaborating online.

Reference:
Fedorowicz, J., Laso-Ballesteros, I., & Padilla-Melendez, A. (2008). Creativity, Innovation and E-Collaboration. International Journal of E-Collaboration, 4(4). Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdlink?index=0&sid=3&srchmode=3&vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&clientid=22212&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=1527435901&scaling=FULL&ts=1272448328&vtype=PQD&aid=1&rqt=309&TS=1272448338

My topic: How organisations collect, manage and share resources through Internet and other Technology?

My selected article:

The American Pain Foundation (APF) and The HealthCentral Network Collaborate to Develop Enhanced Internet Resources for People with Pain. (2007). U.S. Newswire. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=1337572661&Fmt=7&clientId=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD

This news article announced the establishment of www.ChronicPainConnection.com which provides information on the topic of pain, including blogs written by professionals, feature video of personal experience, and online publications. Referring to the article, the website is run by the collaboration of the HealthCentral network and the American Pain Foundation (APF); it aims at encouraging people who are affected by pain to access to pain care and share pain experience. The website also links to other health websites referring to different pain conditions. Furthermore, it provides an online community and forum for people to discuss the topic of pain, which allows instant interaction between patients and experts. It can be seen that collaboration plays an important role in operating this website as it connects different groups of people, such as pain professionals, patient experts, and pain patients, together by offering a place to share and gain information about pain.

In addition, all resources (blogs, videos, publications, etc) in this website are managed with powerful and user-friendly collaborative features, which reduces the technical skill requirement to use the functions offered by the website and allows users to focus on the information and collaborative tasks with fewer obstacles (Boulos, Maramba, & Wheeler, 2006). As those online resources can be saved or download, those information can also be used offline, which extends the online collaboration and allows even more flexibilities.

Reference:
Boulos, M. N. K., Maramba, I., & Wheeler, S. (2006). Wikis. blogs and podcasts: a new generation of Web-based tools for virtual collaborative clinical practice and education BMC Medical Education, 6(41). Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6920-6-41.pdf

Not sure if this topic is too board? But it is good to get started. I found the following articles for the topic. Can anyone tell me if I am in the right track?

(1)

The American Pain Foundation (APF) and The HealthCentral Network Collaborate to Develop Enhanced Internet Resources for People with Pain

U.S. Newswire. Washington: Sep 18, 2007.

Abstract (Summary)

Arlington, Va. and Baltimore, Md., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (http://www.HealthCentral.com) and the American Pain Foundation (APF) today announced a collaboration leveraging APFs strength as a pain management information, advocacy and support resource with HealthCentral.coms multimedia capabilities and extensive online community of patients and experts. The partnership was officially kicked off today with the posting of a blog on the topic of pain written by APFs Executive Director Will Rowe, available at HealthCentrals Chronic Pain site, http://www.ChronicPainConnection.com. The site will also feature videos of first-person experiences with pain.

APFs Pain Information Library complements the extensive patient-contributed content on HealthCentrals sites, providing great synergies for our respective sites, said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. Pain management is central to many of HealthCentral.coms featured health conditions including migraines (http://www.MyMigraineConnection.com), rheumatoid arthritis (http://www.MyRACentral.com), and breast cancer (http://www.MyBreastCancerNetwork.com). Each of HealthCentrals Web sites combines a base of comprehensive medical information and interactive tools with patient experts and health professionals to help people of all ages manage their conditions and learn from other patients who have first-hand experience.

http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?index=11&did=1337572661&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1301893860&clientId=22212

(2)

iManage Unveils the First Multi-Platform Collaborative Content Management Suite

PR Newswire. New York: Mar 6, 2002. pg. 1

Abstract (Summary)
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- iManage, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMAN), a leading provider of collaborative content management software for global enterprises, today introduced iManage WorkSite(TM) MP (Multi-Platform). WorkSite MP is the first application suite to combine document management, collaboration, workflow, and portal access in a single integrated Java-based solution that operates seamlessly across Windows NT, Linux, and Solaris platforms. WorkSite MP helps organizations address the three principal challenges of doing business today: managing content and e- mail overload, using the Internet to collaborate effectively across geography and the organizations's value chain, and accomplishing key business goals with fewer resources. iManage WorkSite MP also streamlines organizational administration by facilitating enterprise- wide deployments of content and collaboration capabilities across disparate computing environments, a key to success in growing, merging and up-and-coming companies.

Headquartered in Foster City, Calif., iManage, Inc. is a leader in collaborative content management software that enables businesses to efficiently manage and collaborate on critical business content across the extended enterprise. iManage WorkSite delivers document management, collaboration, portal access, workflow, knowledge management and business process automation in a single integrated Internet solution. This results in significant improvements in communication and process efficiency, faster response times and a rapid return on investment. More than 400,000 professionals in 1,000 businesses have transformed their organizations with iManage WorkSite. Deloitte & Touche recently named iManage number eight in its prestigious "2001 Silicon Valley Technology Fast 50" program. For more information, please contact iManage at 1-877-4iManage, contact@imanage.com or visit our Web site at http://www.imanage.com .

NOTE: iManage and the iManage logo are registered trademarks of iManage, Inc., and iManage WorkSite is a trademark of iManage, Inc.

http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?index=29&did=110141434&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1301893926&clientId=22212

(3)

Optimize Solutions Launches to Help Professional Services Organizations Better Manage -- Projects, Resources, Expenses

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers. Business Wire. New York: Mar 26, 2001. pg. 1

Abstract (Summary)

Optimize Solutions develops extended enterprise applications for the professional services industry. Its flagship application, OptimizePro, provides professional service organizations and the professional service arms of technology infrastructure companies with the tools they need to centrally manage and control all aspects of their business. Throughout the service delivery lifecycle, from the identification of future service engagements, to project management and resource allocation, through knowledge and financial management, OptimizePro unites these critical functions within one simple to use software application. OptimizePro's intuitive, Web-based interface makes it easy for all users, inside and outside company firewalls, to collaborate on shared business processes and build better relationships. Its innovative technology platform easily "snaps" into existing customer infrastructures, enabling integration with back- office systems while incorporating the "best" of the available desktop tools. Designed for the real world, OptimizePro delivers high performance -- even over 28k dialup lines. The end result is a more profitable and efficient business. Based in San Mateo, Calif., the company has offices in Atlanta and Boston. For additional information, please visit: www.optimizesolutions.com.

With extensive experience in enterprise and software development, professional services and IT consulting, CEO and co-founder Terence Craig and the team at Optimize developed an integrated, extended enterprise software solution that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of professional services organizations. Its flagship application, OptimizePro, utilizes the collaborative aspects of the Internet to form a virtual "extended enterprise" of employees, partners, customers and vendors. OptimizePro automates and manages the entire delivery of professional services by providing each team member with access to a complete knowledge, skills and resource database, while at the same time integrating with an organization's existing applications. Executives and practice managers can view and manage their business, consultants can report project status and easily track time and expenses, and partners or clients can monitor the status of specific projects.

http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?index=37&did=70006841&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1301893968&clientId=22212

(4)

Sign of the times: manufacturing and e-business blend as a digital enterprise

Toole, Pat. Design Engineering. Toronto: Aug/Sep 2000. Vol. 46, Iss. 8; pg. 12

Abstract (Summary)

What is it? Certainly, e-business is more than just buying or selling over the Internet. It's all about exploiting the combined power of the Internet and information technology to fundamentally transform key business strategies and processes. For manufacturers, this means becoming a true digital enterprise--using CAD/CAM/CAE, VPDM (virtual product data modelling), PDM (product data management), ERP (enterprise resource planning), communications--and other digital technologies--to conceive of, design, build, market and sell the most innovative, highest quality, most attractive products to its customers.

Competitive advantage is defined by a company's ability to continually conceive, design, build, sell and service the most innovative, highest quality, most attractive products to its customers. Competitive advantage in the digital economy requires that the product development process itself become a competitive weapon. It requires that manufacturers leverage their organizational knowledge and collaborate without boundaries--become a digital enterprise.

Manufacturing using CAD systems generates a tremendous amount of digital information. What is needed are new solutions that help to manage the complex relationships and dependencies this information creates, the vital knowledge which remains buried in a company's CAD files and other related files--everything from best design practices, product performance characteristics and product maintainability. The true digital enterprise does precisely this--leveraging the intellectual capital embedded in people, systems and processes the same way that it optimally uses plants, equipment, inventory and capital.

http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?index=47&did=374775371&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1301894006&clientId=22212

Thank you very much Michael! I am feeling better to go ahead. Do you know if we should post our comments (for assignment 2) here as well?