Process Improvement and Organizational Learning: The Role of Collaboration Technologies

Process improvement, a key element of the most influential management movements in the 1980s and 1990s, can itself be considerably improved by the use of information technology. Distributed and asynchronous group support systems, such as e-mail, computer conferencing and the World Wide Web are like to play a major role in this improvement. In addition, process improvement affects organizational learning, and the use of information technology can boost this influence by increasing the breadth and speed of knowledge dissemination in organizations.

This book analyzes the relationship between collaborative technologies, process improvement and organizational learning. It is based on the author's experiences in numerous process-focused organizational development projects and a three-year project where over 38 process improvement groups were aided by the support of collaborative technologies. This book will help managers prepare their organizations to survive and thrive in the information era. Only the fittest organizations will master the art of efficient and effective acquisition and the use of data, information and knowledge.

Ned Kock is a professor of management information systems in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at Temple University, Philadelphia PA. In addition, he has worked as a systems analyst and management consultant since 1987, having been involved in projects at global organizations, such as Price Waterhouse, Johnson & Johnson, Rio de Janeiro State Construction Company, Westaflex, and the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.