Assignment: Developing an HRIS

Overview

Every company has, to a greater or lesser extent, an information subsystem -- that is, a means by which it gathers data, interprets it, and makes it available to employees through a distribution system. Whether we are talking about marketing information, cost projections, accounting results, or internal quality reports, every company depends on knowledge to support its planning, decision making, and control.

So how does knowledge fit into the picture? The emergence of the field called knowledge management in the last 10 years or so has highlighted some key propositions:

• All organizations are storehouses of knowledge that operate in information-rich environments made up of people and things both inside and outside the organization itself

• Organizations organize, interpret, and evaluate this information to solve organizational problems

• Knowledge is the primary mechanism for processing and utilizing information

• People's brains are the key knowledge resource of any organization

• Codified knowledge stored in books, audio and video tapes, and computer systems can be an important knowledge resource as well

• There are organizational processes and strategies generally and IT management processes and strategies in particular that can significantly enhance the ability of organizations to use their knowledge resources to solve organizational problems effectively

But by way of introduction to the subject, let's take a look at some views of how knowledge works (these are the REQUIRED readings):
Leonard, D., & Swap, W. (2005). The Knowledge Coach. HBS Working Knowledge.
Levinson, M. (2007). Knowledge Management Definition and Solutions.
Wiig, K.M. (N.D.) On The Management of Knowledge. The Wiig Group.

Case Assignment

For this case assignment (1) read through the three articles then (2) select any one IS theory listed and read about that theory in-depth, then (3) write a 3-5 page essay that discusses how data, information and knowledge are applicable in the context of that theory, or vise-versa. Be sure your discussion demonstrates that you understand the meanings and differences between data, information and knowledge. In your discussion give a real-world example of data, knowledge and information in the context of your theory and provide some commentary on that scenario as to what was done right, what could be better to achieve a better outcome.

Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated on the following points:

• Precision - Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?

• Clarity - Is the writing clear and the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of response to the questions, or are excessive use of quotations how thoughts are conveyed? Are headings included in all papers greater than 2 pages?

• Breadth - Is the full breadth of the subject addressed?

• Depth - Does the paper address the topic in sufficient depth?

• Grammar, spelling and vocabulary - Is the paper written well - is the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary suitable to graduate level work?

• Referencing (citations and references) - Does the paper use citations and quotation marks when appropriate?

• Critical thinking - Is the subject thought about critically, i.e., accurately, logically, relevantly, and precisely?