Journal of Systems and Information Technology

Kock, Ned; Hilmer, Kelly; Standing, Craig; Clark, Stanley

2000 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260080000749

This article is based on a position paper for the Collaboration Technologies Support of Learning Process track of the 2000 Americas Conference on Information Systems. In it, the track chairs examine past research and future challenges related to the topic of the conference track. The paper builds on published empirical and theoretical research on the use of collaboration technologies to support learning processes. Its focus is on a key element of learning, namely knowledge communication. Key empirical studies and relevant theories are reviewed. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.

Paper, David; Chang, Ray; Rodger, James A.

2000 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260080000750

The purpose of the research is to explore the role of creativity in business process improvement paradigms among Japanese organizations and US organizations. Although US and Japanese organizations may use differently terminology, the general idea of process improvement to add value to products andor services that exceed customer expectations is embraced by both. What is not clear is the way in which organizations in the two countries implement change. Eight organizations participated in the study four organizations from Japan and four from the US. Results of the study revealed that US organizations tend to desire faster change to improve performance. They want to adopt stateoftheart methodologies and invest heavily in technology to transform their organizations quickly. In contrast, Japanese organizations prefer incremental change as it conforms to their culture and way of life. However, US organizations are beginning to realize that process improvement is greatly enhanced by changing the culture of the work place. Moreover, Japanese organizations are realizing that individual creativity is very important for future competitiveness in the world marketplace.

Deek, Fadi P.; McHugh, James A.; Roxanne Hiltz, Starr

2000 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260080000751

This paper discusses methodology and technology to aid students learning programming. We have identified and integrated the problem solving and program development skills and knowledge students need to apply when programming with the cognitive activities required to accomplish these tasks. We then developed a composite methodologicalsoftware environment that supports the overall process of programming in a manner that gives appropriate weight to both language issues and problem solving. The results of a classroom evaluation of the method and the tool are then presented.